God‘s Story Podcast

Have you ever wondered what to answer when your children ask you questions about the Bible or your faith? Brent talks with Meredith Miller about her new book from Worthy Books called ‘Wonder: 52 Conversations to Help Kids Fall in Love With Scripture’. Meredith is a pastor and parent whose unique combination of seminary training, 20 plus years’ experience in family ministry, and research expertise make her especially equipped to help families get to know Jesus.  Meredith is the lead pastor of Pomona Valley Church.  Previously, she’s been Curriculum Director for mega churches and a research assistant and consultant for the Fuller Youth Institute.   (1:00) Difficult questions; (2:45) Secret Option E; (4:30) Good conversations; (6:15) Coming to the Bible as kids; (7:50) God centered storytelling; (9:45) Wonder; (12:15) Bible stories; (16:50) The Creation account; (20:50) Questions; (23:00) Jesus’ walking on the water. Links mentioned in this episode: www.meredithannemiller.com www.amazon.com/Wonder-Conversations-Help-Kids-Scripture-ebook/dp/B0FBLV9JDV Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How did a walk by the sea and ‘a big philosophical think’ lead to one of the great apologists of the early Christian church? Brent talks with Susannah Black Roberts about the great second century church father Justin Martyr and her new article in ‘Plough’ called ‘A Gadfly of God’.   Susannah is a senior editor of ‘Plough’ and has written for publications including ‘First Things’, ‘Mere Orthodoxy’ and ‘Front Porch Republic’.  She’s the editor with Anne Snyder of ‘Breaking Ground’. (0:37) What made Justin Martyr a gadfly? (2:30) Justin Martyr – who was he? (3:55) A walk by the sea and a ‘big philosophical think’; (14:05) What made Justin Martyr such a great apologist? (15:17) How did the pagan world point toward Christ? (18:00) Justin and the angel of the Lord; (19:25) Justin’s trial and martyrdom; (23:55) Where to start with Justin? Links mentioned in this episode: www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/witness/a-gadfly-of-god Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Can one devotional lead you through the entire Bible? Brent talks with Benjamin McGreevy about the first volume in a new verse by verse commentary series. Benjamin is a lifelong student of Scripture committed to illuminating all 31, 102 verses of the Bible through a projected 104 volume series of verse by verse reflections.  Benjamin is currently pursuing his graduate studies in Biblical Exposition and Christian Apologetics.  (0:55) The verse by verse series; (4:00) Reading verse by verse; (8:30) Genesis 1; (11:15) Genesis and Jesus; (13:15) God’s authority in creation; (14:45) Sabbath; (16:50) Genesis 5; (17:30) Genesis 1-11 and the whole Bible Links mentioned in this episode: www.amazon.com/Verse-Devotional-Through-Genesis-Begins/dp/1916606792 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Why is change so hard? Where is God amid these changes? Brent talks with Courtney Ellis about her new IVP book ‘Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amid Life’s Tough Transitions’. Courtney is a pastor at Presbyterian Church of The Master in Mission Viejo, California.  She’s the author of 6 books and hosts ‘The Thing with Feathers’ Podcast.    (1:00) Why is change so difficult? (1:45) Embracing change; (2:10) Nature and change; (3:50) Stillness; (4:45) Butterflies; (6:20) Preparing for change; (9:00) Age; (10:30) Migration; (14:00) Change and our limitations; (16:30) God and our change; (18:00) Endings; (19:00) Christ haunted creation. Links mentioned in this episode: courtneybellis.com www.ivpress.com/weathering-change Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How do we deal with vocation and marriage? Brent talks with Jennifer Holberg about George Eliot’s classic novel ‘Middlemarch’. Jennifer is professor and chair of the English Department at Calvin University in the States and the director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing. She’s also the author of the book ‘Nourishing Narratives’.  (1:10) A novel for grown up people; (3:15) 1832; (6:00) The major characters; (8:45) Casaubon; (13:15) Vocation; (16:15) Marriage; (20:00) Dorothea; (26:00) Casaubon again; (28:00) Lydgate; (31:15) Bulstrode; (33:25) Mary and Fred; (35:30) Why read it? Links mentioned in this episode: calvin.edu/people/jennifer-l-holberg Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How do we deal with dragons? Brent talks with New Zealand fantasy author Joanne Rolston about her life and her book ‘The Kingdom – Here Be Dragons, Here Be Dreams’. Joanne began writing in 2015.  She is trained in information technology, gained a diploma in business and starting a family owned IT company with her husband in 2007.  Joanne maintains several blogs and has self-published two books with a third on the way.     (0:55) How the writing started; (1:30) Genre; (2:30) Spiritual autobiography; (2:45) The story; (5:10) Colonial life in NZ; (7:20) Childhood; (8:30) Knowing God; (9:35) The NZ landscape; (12:15) Computers; (15:10) An American; (17:00) God; (19:00) Fighting dragons; (21:00) The latest novel. Links mentioned in this episode: kingdom777.wordpress.com walkinnz.home.blog www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Here-Be-Dragons-Dreams/dp/0473338920 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What is Sabbath? Brent talks with G.P. Wagenfuhr and Amy J. Erickson about their new IVP book ‘Sabbath Gospel: A New Narrative of Time, Rest, and the Work of the Church’. G.P. Wagenfuhr is lead pastor of Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church in Yakima, WA and teaches at the Flourish Institute of Technology. Amy teaches theology and ethics at St. Mark’s National Theological Center in Canberra, Australia.  She’s the author of several books.  (0:45) Is Christianity tired? (3:15) Our understanding of Sabbath; (5:00) What is Sabbath? (6:45) Home; (10:50) A tale of two households; (15:00) The Sabbath, Jubilee and Jesus (17:10) Jesus and the household of sin; (21:45) How do we keep the Sabbath? (25:00) Renewing the church. Links mentioned in this episode: www.amazon.com/Sabbath-Gospel-Narrative-Time-Church/dp/1514009544 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Am I my body, not just my soul? Brent talks with Joshua Farris about an article by Greg Allison in ‘Christ Over All’ called ‘The Embodied Person: Why I Am My Body, Not Just My Soul’. Joshua is an ordained priest with the Diocese of Kagera and ACMI and a Canon Theologian on Missio Mosaic.  He’s the director and founder of Soul Science Ministries and Spiritually Driven Leadership.   (0:40) Greg Allison; (1:50) The body; (3:40) Embodiment; (6:30) The soul; (7:40) Biblical witness for the priority of the soul; (10:30) The intermediate state; (13:30) The soul; (18:45) Sickness and injury. Links mentioned in this episode: christoverall.com/article/concise/the-embodied-person-why-i-am-my-body-not-just-my-soul/ Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Conversations about abortion often center on the question: Are you pro-life or pro-choice? What if that’s the wrong question? Brent talks with Angela Weszely about her new IVP book ‘Becoming ProGrace: Expanding the Abortion Conversation Beyond Life Versus Choice’. Angela is the CEO and Founder of ProGrace, an organization that facilitates transformative learning experiences for Christ followers to break through the abortion divide.  She has over two decades of experience helping churches and nonprofits align their response to abortion with the example of Jesus.   (1:00) The wrong question; (2:30) Abortion; (4:25) ProGrace; (6:00) Women and pregnancy; (8:20) Men’s experience; (10:00) Politics; (12:15) The church; (20:10) Complexities. Links mentioned in this episode: www.amazon.com/Becoming-ProGrace-Expanding-Abortion-Conversation/dp/1514011689 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What’s the power of social media as a tool for evangelism and how can we use it? Brent talks with Jacqulyne Horbrook about her IVP book ‘How To Be A Christian Influencer: Making Social Media a Social Ministry’. Jacqulyne is the CEO of Black Christian Influencers, the Christian Travel Club, and the BCI Influencer Agency.  She previously served as director of diversity at a Christian university in Chicago.  (0:50) Becoming an influencer; (1:45) What is an ‘influencer’; (3:55) Black Christian influencers; (5:35) How to become a social media influencer; (7:45) Target audiences; (9:10) The algorithm; (12:05) Social media platforms; (13:40) Vulnerability; (15:30) Growing our platforms; (20:00) Using our story; (22:20) Christians and influence. Links mentioned in this episode: /www.amazon.com/How-Be-Christian-Influencer-Ministry/dp/1514009927 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

‘Today wounds and unforgiveness abound.  Generations are at odds. Families are estranged. Is there a way forward? If so, what could it look like’?  Brent talks with Michael Charles Olson the author of a new Bridge-Logos book ‘Daddy Set the Church On Fire: A Journey Toward Restoration’. Michael is a singer/songwriter, worship leader, and pastor on staff at the Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida.  He has well over 2 decades of experience in both the Christian music industry and the church. (0:50) Childhood; (2:15) Church; (5:20) A church fire; (10:35) Music and songwriting; (13:15) Megachurch; (17:50) Father wounds; (22:15) Plumbing; (28:20) Songs. Links mentioned in this episode: www.michaelcharlesolson.com daddysetthechurchonfire.com Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How do chapter 1 and the opening of chapter 2 of John’s gospel refer back to the 7 days of creation? Brent talks With Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute about John 1:19-51. (0:30) 7 days of creation; (4:15) The witness of John the Baptist; (6:20) Elijah in vs 21 and 25; (11:35) Jesus and the Lamb; (13:55) v 29; (15:30) The calling of the disciples; (18:10) v 43; (19:30) The fig tree; (21:30) Jacob’s ladder; (25:45) Philip Links mentioned in this episode: theopolisinstitute.com Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Brent talks to Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States about John’s gospel and the Prologue.   How does the opening of John’s gospel refer back to the opening of Genesis? (0:40) The gospel of John; (3:40) The opening of the gospel and Genesis; (4:50) The Word; (8:30) John and the Incarnation; (10:50) John the Baptist and witness; (12:25) Light; (15:40) The glory of Jesus; (18:20) Jesus as Truth; (20:10) The new birth; (22:10) The Father-Son union; (24:10) Moses and the law; (26:25) Jesus in the Old Testament; (29:00) The Prologue and Revelation. Links mentioned in this episode: alastairadversaria.com Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Brent talks with Hannah Long about the 1947 film noir ‘Lady in the Lake’ directed by and starring Robert Montgomery as Raymond Chandler’s Marlowe.  Hannah is a passionate cinephile.  She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘The Despatch’, ‘Angelus News’, ‘The Bulwark’, ‘First Things’ and ‘Christianity Today’. (0:40) The cast; (1:45) Robert Montgomery; (4:25) The ‘point of view’ perspective; (11:25) The movie’s reception; (14:30) The adaptation; (18:20) The Christmas setting; (21:00) Typical noir themes; (22:00) The femme fatale; (24:15) Lloyd Nolan. Links mentioned in this episode: Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Sharing a drink with friends or a glass of wine at dinner can be fine.  But what if this turns into an unhealthy habit? Brent talks with Ericka Andersen about her new IVP book ‘Freely Sober: Rethinking Alcohol Through the Lens of Faith’. Ericka is a journalist whose writing has appeared in ‘Christianity Today’, ‘World Magazine’, ‘The New York Times’ and ‘The Wall Street Journal’. She’s written a number of books.  (0:45) Struggles with alcohol; (2:40) When ‘something is off’ with alcohol consumption; (5:10) Christian women and alcohol; (6:55) Christians and alcohol; (8:10) The Bible and wine; (9:10) Alcohol and our spiritual lives; (10:30) A theology of addiction; (12:20) A deep audit; (16:05) Find a supportive community; (17:30) Scripture and prayer; (19:00) The ‘cravings’. Links mentioned in this episode: erickaandersen.com/about/ www.amazon.com.au/Freely-Sober-Rethinking-Alcohol-Through-ebook/dp/B0F64DT7RT Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How can integrating faith and neuroscience help people grow after experiencing hardship? Brent talks with Brooke Envick about her new Angus and Robertson book ‘True Ascension: Unlocking Greatness Through Faith, Fortitude, and Foresight’. Brooke is the Dean of College of Business and Technology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She has nearly 30 years of experience teaching and mentoring college students and business professionals. Her work has earned multiple national awards in both teaching and research, with over 30 peer reviewed journal articles published and cited more than 850 times.  She’s also a thought leader and author whose work integrates neuroscience, faith and leadership development.   (1:15) Our hardships are invitations; (1:45) Ascension; (4:05) Grief and hardship; (7:05) Rewiring our brains; (11:10) Mindset mapping; (12:20) Faith; (14:30) Fortitude; (17:30) Mental and emotional strength; (18:30) Foresight. Links mentioned in this episode: /www.amazon.com/True-Ascension-Unlocking-Greatness-Fortitude/dp/B0FLT3MMLX Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How can we raise our children to thrive in a world filled with confusing conversations about gender, sexuality and relationships? Brent talks with Laurie Krieg who’s the author with Matt Krieg of a new IVP book ‘Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World: A Gospel-Centred Approach’. Laurie is the director of parent programs and discipleship for The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender.  Laurie and Matt are co-hosts of the ‘Hole In My Heart’ podcast.   (0:40) Why is the world so broken? (2:00) How do we talk to our children about porn? (6:00) Talking about sex; (11:10) Same sex relationships; (14:20) Transgender issues; (19:40) Singleness; (21:35) The gospel Links mentioned in this episode: lauriekrieg.com www.amazon.com/Raising-Wise-Sexually-Broken-World/dp/1514012146 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Is it possible to tell what is real anymore? Brent talks with Abdu Murray about his new David C. Cook title ‘Fake ID: How AI and Identity Ideology Are Collapsing Reality and What To Do About It’. Abdu Murray speaks internationally about the intersections of faith and the questions of culture.  He’s the author of several books.  Abdul was a proud Muslim until a nine year historical, theological and scientific investigation pointed him to the Christian faith.  (0:45) A reality collapse; (2:00) Bioclasm and AI mania; (4:30) Paying others to collapse our sense of reality; (8:30) Transhumanism; (13:30) Authenticity; (17:45) Created for communion with God; (20:25) The antidote. Links mentioned in this episode: /embracethetruth.org/abdu-murray/ /www.amazon.com/Fake-ID-Identity-Collapsing-Reality_and/dp/0830789499 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What is God’s glory? Brent talks with Donnie Berry about his new IVP book ‘The Earth Will Be Filled: A Biblical Theology of the Glory of God’. Donnie Berry is an instructor of New Testament and biblical theology with Training Leaders International, helping to train and equip pastors and Christian leaders around the world.   (0:40) God’s glory the bedrock of the Bible; (1:25) What is the glory of God? (3:45) God creates for His glory; (6:00) The Garden of Eden and God’s glory; (9:20) Israel and God’s glory; (11:45) The Tabernacle and Temple; (13:00) The Suffering Servant and God’s glory; (15:10) Ezekiel and the glory of God; (17:10) The gospel of John and glory; (19:30) Revelation and God’s glory; (20:55) How do we reflect the glory of God? (24:00) Beholding God’s glory today? Links mentioned in this episode: www.amazon.com/Earth-Will-Be-Filled-Essential/dp/1514010771 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How do we respond to grief? Brent talks with Mitch Bakker about his book ‘Resolve: A Journey Weighted by Grief, Disrupted by Truth, and Awakened to Purpose’. Mitch is an entrepreneur, designer and writer.  He’s the founder of IDA Design, an award winning and internationally recognized industrial design firm in Western Michigan where he also works to revitalize his town through property development. (0:45) The death of parents; (5:15) Dealing with grief; (10:40) The first year; (12:00) The death of a child; (14:15) Restoration; (16:15) Scripture and change; (18:20) Unemployment; (21:00) Mitch’s work. Links mentioned in this episode: www.mitchbakker.com www.amazon.com/Resolve-Journey-Weighted-Disrupted-Awakened/dp/1625861648 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What’s the significance of the heavenly rose? Brent talks with Jennifer Holberg about the second part of Dante’s ‘Paradiso’. Jennifer is professor and chair of the English Department at Calvin University in the States and co-director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing.  She’s also the author of the book ‘Nourishing Narratives’.   (0:55) Theology in heaven; (4:40) The eagle; (5:50) Canto 8 and vocation; (8:45) Caccaguida; (11:20) Canto 22 and the vision; (13:55) Dante’s sin; (17:00) Canto 27; (19:00) The heavenly rose; (21:00) Bernard; (24:30) The end. Links mentioned in this episode: World of Dante: https://www.worldofdante.org/index.html) Digital Dante: https://digitaldante.columbia.edu/dante/divine-comedy Dante Worlds: https://danteworlds.laits.utexas.edu/ 100 Days of Dante: https://100daysofdante.com Editions: For all in one volume: Mark Musa, ‘The Portable Dante’ (Penguin) First rate notes: Robert and Jean Hollander (Vintage/Anchor) New poetic translation that retains the terza rima: Michael Palma (Liveright) Prose translation: Charles S. Singleton (Princeton University Press) Other notable translators: Robin Kirkpatrick John Ciarda Allen Mandelbaum Older translations by Dorothy L. Sayers Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How does the book of Revelation speak about Jesus? Brent talks with David Bowden from ‘Spoken Gospel’ about their new video series on Revelation.  (0:50) Spoken Gospel; (3:00) Jesus; (5:10) Making videos; (6:45) The podcast; (9:00) Revelation and Christ; (12:05) The ‘weird bits’; (15:30) Using drama. Links mentioned in this episode: www.spokengospel.com Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

‘For centuries, readers have marveled at the imaginative brilliance of authors like C.S. Lewis, Dorothy L. Sayers and Charles Williams but what inspired these literary giants’? Brent talks with Richard Hughes Gibson about his new IVP book ‘The Way of Dante: Going Through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven with C.S. Lewis, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Charles Williams’. Richard is a professor of English at Wheaton College and is the author of a number of books.   (0:55) Bringing new readers into the world of Dante; (2:30) Sayers and Dante; (4:00) Williams and Dante; (6:15) Lewis and Dante; (7:35) Lewis and Sayers; (9:50) Sayers’ translation of Dante; (11:30) Letters about Dante; (16:40) Dante’s heaven; (19:55) ‘Dante and his Daughter’; (22:10) ‘The Great Divorce’. Links mentioned in this episode: /www.amazon.com/Way-Dante-Through-Purgatory-Williams/dp/151401338X Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Who was William Blake and how can his work speak to us today? Brent talks with author Mark Vernon about his new Hurst book ‘Awake: William Blake and the Power of the Imagination’. Mark is a London based psychotherapist, writer and former Anglican priest.  He’s a keen podcaster and a columnist with the Idler and speaks regularly at festivals and on the BBC.   (0:50) Blake and ‘recovery’; (2:40) Blake and innocence; (3:30) Importance of the arts; (4:45) Blake and Christianity; (7:30) Angels; (9:30) Imagination; (11:15) Blake and science; (13:00) Blake and desire; (14:35) Eroticism in Blake; (16:20) Blake’s poems; (18:45) Blake and politics; (21:55) Blake’s mythology; (24:00) Nature. Links mentioned in this episode: www.markvernon.com/books/awake-william-blake-and-the-power-of-the-imagination Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Why is Genesis the most attacked book of the Bible? Brent talks with Ken Ham the author of a New Leaf Publishing book called ‘Miraculous! The Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis Story’. Ken shares the story of how his commitment to the book of Genesis led to the creation of AIG, the Creation Museum and the life sized Ark encounter. Ken is the founding CEO of Answers in Genesis. He’s authored dozens of apologetic resources with over 3 million books sold.      (0:50) Answers in Genesis; (2:45) Evolution and an old universe; (5:40) Ken’s journey; (12:10) How did God enable Ken to do this ministry? (18:05) Specific moments; (21:10) Opposition; (25:30) Behind the scenes stories. Links mentioned in this episode: answersingenesis.org www.amazon.com/Miraculous-Ken-Answers-Genesis-Story/dp/1683443810 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Why are so many men leaving the church? Brent talks with Joshua Farris about a recent article in ‘The North American Anglican’ called ‘Ghosted by the Church: When Masculinity Disappears and the Church Becomes Silent’. Joshua is an ordained priest with the Diocese of Kagera and ACMI and a Canon Theologian on Missio Mosaic.  He’s the director and founder of Soul Science Ministries and Spiritually Driven Leadership.  (0:45) Why are men leaving the church? (2:30) The feminization of the church; (8:30) Men’s issues not dealt with? (12:10) ‘Cheerful’ churches; (14:25) ‘Ghosting’; (18:35) Cancel culture in the church; (21:40) Stronger male leaders; (24:20) Building a community of truth. Links mentioned in this episode: northamanglican.com/ghosted-by-the-church/ soulscienceministries.com Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Why is Western sponsorship still so important in helping end the stigma and the poverty connected with HIV/AIDS? Brent talks with Zahara McCoy of ‘Children of Grace’. Zahara grew up in rural Uganda, lost both parents to HIV/AIDS, and was nearly married off as a child before a Christian family in California sponsored her education.  Zahara now lives in the US and leads ‘Children of Grace’, a non-profit supporting thousands of Ugandan children.    (0:40) Zahara’s childhood; (4:20) Caregiving for her mother; (6:00) The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Uganda; (7:10) Sponsorship; (14:30) Early experiences in America; (16:10) Faith; (22:45) Children of Grace; (25:15) Sponsorship. Links mentioned in this episode: www.childrenofgrace.com/contact Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

The original recipients of Hebrews found themselves struggling to maintain their faith against the pressures of doubt and despair.  So modern believers face similar trials as they seek to live out their faith in a broken world. Brent talks with Michael Kibbe about his new IVP book on Hebrews called ‘Life in a Lifeless World: Encountering Jesus in the Book of Hebrews’. Michael is associate professor of Bible and academic dean at Great Northern University in Spokane.  He’s taught previously at Wheaton College and Moody Bible Institute.    (1:20) Life in a lifeless world; (5:00) The background to Hebrews; (6:20) Jesus in chapters 1 and 2; (8:30) Atonement and enthronement; (11:15) Jesus our great High Priest; (13:30) The covenants in Hebrews; (15:00) A sanctuary in heaven; (17:10) A race; (19:00) Perseverance; (20:05) Faith in chapter 11; (22:30) Marriage and singleness Links mentioned in this episode: www.amazon.com/Life-Lifeless-World-Encountering-Hebrews/dp/1514010267 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Do you desire to do great things for God but feel like you’re falling short? Brent talks with Ryan Tinetti about his new IVP book ‘The Quiet Ambition: Scripture’s Surprising Antidote to Our Restless Lives’. Ryan is a pastor who now serves as a professor of practical theology at Concordia Seminary.  He’s the author of ‘Preaching by Heart’ and writes the regular column, ‘The Preacher’s Toolbox’ on 1517.org.   (0:50) Quiet ambition; (1:55) Quiet desperation; (3:05) What is ambition? (4:20) Quiet quitting; (5:40) Parable of the talents; (7:15) Was Jesus ambitious? (8:55) Paul’s ambition; (11:35) What does quiet ambition look like? (13:20) The Greco-Roman world and ambition; (14:40) Hobbits; (16:00) Minding our own business; (18:00) Working with our hands; (21:15) Walking gracefully to outsiders. Links mentioned in this episode: www.preachingbyheart.com/what-we-do www.amazon.com/Quiet-Ambition-Scriptures-Surprising-Antidote/dp/1514011891 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

How is love connected with the flame of God in chapter 8? Brent talks with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States.  (0:50) Chapter 8 and the first 2 chapters; (3:55) vs 1-2; (6:15) Christ and his church; (8:50) v 5; (10:10) The apple tree; (11:25) Love and death in verses 6-7; (13: 25) Love and the flame of God; (15:30) v 8-14; (19:40) The end of the Song; (22:30) The Song in summary. Links mentioned in this episode: alastairadversaria.com theopolisinstitute.com Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

‘The doctrine of Christ’s ascension is often overlooked in the church today, yet it holds profound significance for Christian theology and the Christian life’. Brent talks with Ross Hastings about his new IVP book ‘The Glory of the Ascension: Celebrating a Doctrine for the Life of the Church’. Ross is the Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver.  He’s the author of several books and serves as an Anglican priest at St. John’s Vancouver.   (0:50) The Ascension related to the Cross and the Resurrection; (3:00) Why the Ascension matters; (6:50) The Ascension neglected; (9:50) Ephesians 2; (11:10) The glory of Jesus; (14:50) The Son of Man and Messiah; (16:10) The Ascension and the Atonement; (19:35) Jesus in heaven and humanity; (24:00) The Ascension and the cosmos; (25:15) The character of heaven. Links mentioned in this episode: www.rosshastings.org www.amazon.com/Glory-Ascension-Celebrating-Doctrine-Church/dp/1514010615 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What’s the most important thing happening in the world today? Brent talks with Douglas Cobb about the worldwide movement to fulfill Jesus’ command to ‘make disciples of every nation’, a task which is nearing completion in our generation.  Douglas is the author of a new Deep Waters book called ‘The Sprint to the Finish: The Global Push to Finish the Great Commission in This Generation’. Douglas is the managing partner of the Finishing Fund, whose mission is to’ make disciples of every nation’.  Doug and his wife Gena are members of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, where he teaches the Word by Word Sunday school class and serves as an elder.      (1:00) Finishing the Great Commission; (2:15) What is the Great Commission; (3:55) All nations; (4:40) Jesus and cross-cultural evangelism; (5:40) The apostle Paul; (6:20) The spread of the gospel; (9:00) Where are we? (11:50) Dreams and visions; (13:45) Bible translations; (16:20) AI and bible translations; (17:30) Church planting; (18:15) People coming to the West; (20:00) Media and technology. Links mentioned in this episode: www.douglasfcobb.com www.amazon.com/Sprint-Finish-Complete-Commission-Generation/dp/B0FSJKT1YW Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What is Christian hospitality and how do we do it? Brent talks with Laura Baghdassarian Murray about her new IVP book ‘Becoming a Person of Welcome: The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality’. Laura is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary’s Center for Spiritual Formation.  She serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation.  She’s also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality.    (0:30) What is Christian hospitality? (1:50) Laura’s experience; (4:50) Hospitality in the early church; (5:50) Boundaries; (8:00) Hospitable environments; (8:45) Counterfeit hospitality; (10:30) Entrepreneurship – the dark side; (12:40) Jesus and hospitality; (15:40) Social media; (17:45) A posture of hospitality; (18:45) Spiritual practices; (20:00) Listening. Links mentioned in this episode: laurabmurray.com/welcomebook www.amazon.com/Becoming-Person-Welcome-Spiritual-Hospitality/dp/1514011948 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Does Dante in ‘Paradiso’ refer to a sort of transhumanism and why? Brent talks with Jennifer Holberg about ‘Paradiso’ – the last part of ‘The Divine Comedy’. Jennifer is professor and chair of the English Department at Calvin University in the States and co-director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing.  She’s also the author of the book ‘Nourishing Narratives’. (1:10) The structure of ‘Paradiso’; (3:55) Dante’s aesthetic; (6:00) The warning; (10:00) Transhumanism; (14:50) Piccarda; (19:55) Politics and religious institutions. Links mentioned in this episode: World of Dante: https://www.worldofdante.org/index.html) Digital Dante: https://digitaldante.columbia.edu/dante/divine-comedy Dante Worlds: https://danteworlds.laits.utexas.edu/ 100 Days of Dante: https://100daysofdante.com Editions: For all in one volume: Mark Musa, ‘The Portable Dante’ (Penguin) First rate notes: Robert and Jean Hollander (Vintage/Anchor) New poetic translation that retains the terza rima: Michael Palma (Liveright) Prose translation: Charles S. Singleton (Princeton University Press) Other notable translators: Robin Kirkpatrick John Ciarda Allen Mandelbaum Older translations by Dorothy L. Sayers Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Have you ever felt directionless, like you’re adrift at sea? Brent talks with Mitch Bakker about his new book from Mitchell Publications called ‘Drawn: Drawn to Faith, Awakened by Story’. Mitch is the founder and owner of IDA Design, an award-winning, nationally recognized industrial design firm.  His most recent venture was launching a restaurant, StrEATS Taco Kitchen where he finds connection to his community through tacos.  He’s also a volunteer in prison.   (0:55) Feelings of being adrift; (3:15) Bereavement; (4:15) Empty nesting; (9:15) Prison ministry; (15:50) Stories cathartic; (20:15) Getting in touch with your stories. Links mentioned in this episode: www.mitchbakker.com /saltofheaven.com/product/drawn-drawn-to-faith-awakened-by-story/ Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Can we have a theistic science? Brent talks with Joshua Farris about his new Routledge book ‘God, Souls, and Consciousness: Deconditioning the Mind from Naturalism’. Joshua is an ordained priest with the Diocese of Kagera and ACMI and a Canon Theologian on Missio Mosaic.  He’s director and founder of Soul Science Ministries and Spiritually Driven Leadership.  (0:45) Naturalism; (4:00) Descartes; (7:15) Aspects of substance dualism; (11:15) Libertarian thought; (16:10) Near death experiences; (17:30) A theistic science; (21:52) AI Links mentioned in this episode: www.amazon.com/Consciousness-Routledge-Studies-Philosophy-Religion/dp/1032872896 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

‘Everything I’ve been through could have broken me but instead God has used it to shape me.  My story isn’t just about survival – it’s about faith, redemption, and knowing that with God you can really rise again’. Brent talks with Juliet Dawn about her new album ‘Born To Be’. Juliet is a multifaceted artist whose creative output spans across music, film and literature underpinned by a prophetic Christian ministry.  She’s released several albums, produced the feature film ’Pilgrim’s Progress’ and written poetry books.    (1:15) Creative journey; (4:00) Learning the craft; (6:00) Songwriting; (11:30) Poetry and music; (13:20) X Factor; (18:50) Suffering and challenges; (21:30) The new album ‘Born To Be’; (23:30) Nashville; (27:45) The album. Links mentioned in this episode: /www.julietdawn.co.uk Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What do we do when God doesn’t heal us? Brent talks with Meera Mahadevan about her new book ‘When God Doesn’t Heal: How is this Love?’ Meera has had careers across multiple industries.  She’s a Broadcast journalist and former news anchor with a forte in international politics.  She later transitioned to Corporate Reputation Management.  More recently, she’s been engaged with mission organizations with work spanning from Europe to the Pacific.  She currently serves on the International board of Alongsiders. She’s journeyed through long-term illnesses and cancer in the last 20 years.  (0:55) Pain and illness; (2:30) Meera’s journey; (6:40) The mission field; (13:00) Illness; (17:45) The Cross; (23:15) Suffering. Links mentioned in this episode: www.amazon.com/when-god-doesnt-heal-this/dp/b0f9tn4dj1 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What if the key to a deeper, more meaningful life lies in the questions we ask? Brent talks with J.R. Briggs the author of a new IVP book called ‘The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith’. J.R. Briggs is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to serving leaders through coaching, consulting, and speaking.  He serves on staff with the Ecclesia Network and Fresh Expressions, and as guest instructor for Friends University in the Masters of Spiritual Formation and Leadership Program.    (1:00) The questions we ask; (2:00) A professional question asker; (3:50) We need to ask better questions; (4:45) Questions and leadership; (5:50) Important questions; (8:30) The 4 essentials of question asking; (10:15) God and questions; (11:05) Jesus’ questions; (13:10) The most important question in the gospels? (14:15) God questions; (18:00) Developing skills in question asking; (19:30) A question journal. Links mentioned in this episode: www.jrbriggs.com www.amazon.com/Art-Asking-Better-Questions-Relationships/dp/1514011115 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Does the church still matter in our modern world? Brent talks with Carmen Imes about her new IVP book ‘Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters’. Carmen is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University in the States and is the author of a number of books.   (0:45) The wardrobe; (2:00) Why does the church matter? (3:20) People leaving the church; (5:00) Biblical theology of family; (6:00) The Tabernacle; (7:30) Ruth and God’s family; (8:50) Samuel; (10:45) The Psalms and family worship; (11:50) Jesus and family; (13:00) The church radical in the ancient world; (13:50) Paul and family; (14:40) Pentecost; (16:00) Revelation – the ultimate view of the church family; (16:55) HUP; (19:20) How are we becoming God’s family? Links mentioned in this episode: carmenjoyimes.blogspot.com www.amazon.com/Becoming-Gods-Family-Church-Matters/dp/1514010321 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

‘Working in healthcare can be immensely satisfying, but it can also be challenging. Maybe you’re on the verge of burnout’. Brent talks with Mark Topazian about his new IVP book ‘Healing Purpose: Finding Satisfaction in a Healthcare Career’. Mark is a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine.  He’s practised and taught at Yale University, at the Mayo Clinic, and in multiple sub-Saharan African countries.  He’s a regular speaker at the Global Missions Health Conference and a Saline Process trainer.    (1:00) Mark’s career in healthcare; (3:30) Ethiopia; (4:55) Burnout; (7:05) Dealing with burnout and compassion fatigue; (9:45) Image of God; (12:15) Faith and illness; (16:30) Healing; (20:55) Interactions about death; (23:30) Lament. Links mentioned in this episode: www.marktopazian.com www.amazon.com/Healing-Purpose-Finding-Satisfaction-Healthcare/dp/1514012383 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Do you ever wonder if Jesus really claimed to be God? Brent talks with Mikel Del Rosario about his new IVP book called ‘Did Jesus Really Say He Was God?: Making Sense of His Historical Claims’. Mikel is professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.  He’s co-authored over 30 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement with his mentor, Darrell Bock.  He’s host of ‘The Apologetics Guy Show’.  (0:45) The divinity of Jesus; (3:00) Investigating the historical Jesus; (6:10) Jesus in the gospels; (7:10) The healing of the paralytic; (10:50) The authority sayings in Mark 2; (12:20) Mark 14; (16:10) The Son of Man; (18:45) Jesus in Mark; (20:30) Did Jesus really say he was God? (21:00) The early church and the divinity of Christ. Links mentioned in this episode: apologeticsguy.com www.amazon.com/Did-Jesus-Really-Say-Was/dp/1514011018 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Brent talks with Eric Burstock about his new book from Critical Mass Books called ‘The Table is Already Set: A Beautiful Love Story Between a Jewish Man and a Christian Woman’. Eric is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, a Personal Financial Specialist, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  In October of 1980, Eric, who was brought up Jewish, became a follower of Jesus and has been an active member in church from the day he first believed.  If not for his wife Bonnie, he would have never been introduced to Jesus.    (0:56) Eric’s background; (1:50) Anti-semitism; (3:00) Anne Frank; (5:00) Life questions; (7:10) First job; (8:20) Bonnie; (13:15) Jesus in the Scriptures; (15:55) Family reactions; (20:15) Coming to Christ. Links mentioned in this episode: ericburstock.com /www.amazon.ca/Table-Already-Set-Beautiful-Christian-ebook/dp/B09PVMZ9S5 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Brent talks with Hannah Long about Wes Anderson’s 2012 movie ‘Moonrise Kingdom’. Hannah is a passionate cinephile.  She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘The Despatch’, ‘Angelus News’, ‘The Bulwark’, ‘First Things’ and ‘Christianity Today’.  (0:45) Wes Anderson; (3:40) The story and the actors; (8:15) Romance; (14:30) Autobiographical? (15:50) A coming of age story? (18:15) Lost innocence; (19:50) Music and Britten; (22:40) Visual style; (25:00) Humor; (26:30) Indoors and outdoors; (28:40) The landscape; (31:00) Use of color; (32:15) Kingdoms; (36:00) Christian imagery. Links mentioned in this episode: Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Gen Z carries unique questions about life and God. Brent talks with Tanita Tualla Maddox about her new IVP book ‘What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God: Seven Questions About Life and God’. Tanita is the national director for generational impact for Young Life and serves as an associate regional director in the Mountain West Young Life region.  She has an expertise in contextualizing the gospel for Gen Z and has been featured on podcasts and publications.  (0:50) Gen Z; (2:20) Gen Z and the church; (4:15) Gen Z and the goodness of God; (6:40) Gen Z – ‘am I enough?’ (8:10) Social media and Gen Z; (8:40) Gen Z and acceptance; (9:30) Authenticity; (11:30) Gen Z – ‘do all people matter to God’? (12:30) Gen Z and social justice; (13:40) Gen Z and trust; (16:40) Truth and Gen Z; (18:20) The gospel and Gen Z; (19:20) Gen Z and safety; (24:20) The Bible and Gen Z. Links mentioned in this episode: tanitamaddox.com www.amazon.com/What-Really-Wants-Know-About/dp/1514012162 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

AI presents some profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities for the church. Brent talks with Todd Korpi the author of a new IVP book called ‘AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence’. Todd is a pastor, missiologist, and church consultant.  He’s dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary and works in severall capacities at OneHope.  He also serves as the lead researcher of the Digital Mission Consortia, a collaborative research initiative exploring the frontier of digital ministry.     (1:15) The church and AI; (4:15) Why do we need to participate in the AI conversation? (5:10) What is AI? (6:20) What is super AI? (8:05) Star Trek; (9:55) Sentient AI? (10:55) Scripture and technology; (11:30) AI in ministry; (18:00) AI and sermon planning; (21:00) AI and mission; (23:20) AI clergy? (26:00) AI in higher education. Links mentioned in this episode: www.toddkorpi.com www.amazon.com/AI-Goes-Church-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1514011247 Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What is journaling and how can it help our spiritual growth? Brent talks with Marc Alan Schelske about the second edition of his book from Whitaker House called ‘Journaling for Spiritual Growth: Six Weeks to Build a Habit That Fosters Spiritual and Emotional Maturity’. Marc is a thinker and speaker who is currently the teaching elder of Bridge City Community Church in Portland, Oregon. He also hosts ‘The Apprenticeship Way’ podcast and is the author of a number of books.   (0:45) Journaling; (2:40) Marc’s journey; (3:50) What are we journaling about? (6:20) The tools; (7:55) A mindset of gracious flexibility; (11:00) How long? (12:50) Journal content; (21:50) Marc’s journal entries; (27:20) Memorable experiences. Links mentioned in this episode: marcalanschelske.com /www.amazon.com/Journaling-Spiritual-Growth-Emotional-Maturity/dp/B0DLK67HVN Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Why are there references to grapes, vineyards and wine in Chapter 7 of the Song? Brent talks with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States.  (0:25) The wasf in Chapter 7; (1:10) The palm tree; (2:30) The place names; (4:10) Wine; (6:30) The woman and the land; (8:00) Damascus in v 4; (8:50) Carmel – v 5; (9:35) Purple and scarlet; (9:50) V 9; (11:15) Garden imagery; (14:00) Verses 9-13; (15:20) A new Adam and Eve; (18:10) Jesus. Links mentioned in this episode: alastairadversaria.com theopolisinstitute.com Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

What does chapter 6 of the ‘Song’ have to say about love? Brent talks with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute. (0:25) Chapter 5 (0:45) Love; (3:00) Love as a world; (4:25) Verse 1; (5:20) The bride; (5:45) V 3; (6:50) John’s gospel and the Song; (7:15) V 5 – the bridegroom; (9:15) V 8 – the Bride; (10:00) Proverbs 31:1; (12:15) Verses 11-13; (13:05) The daughters of Jerusalem – v 13; (14:25) The Shunammite. Links mentioned in this episode: alastairadversaria.com theopolisinstitute.com Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.

Brent is joined by Hannah Long to discuss the new Springsteen movie ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ starring Jeremy Allen White as the Boss and directed by Scott Cooper. Hannah is a passionate cinephile.  She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘The Despatch’,’Angelus News’, ‘The Bulwark’, ‘First Things’ and ‘Christianity Today’.   (1:05) ‘Nebraska’; (4:00) The movie; (5:20) A complex character; (6:40) Loneliness; (9:40) Jon Landau; (12:00) Mental illness and depression; (13:15) Springsteen’s father; (14:20) City landscapes; (17:15) Flashbacks; (17:40) Success and the future; (18:30) The past; (20:00) Art versus commercialism; (23:40) Technology; (26:00) The past; (27:30) A favorite song and personal stories. Links mentioned in this episode: Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.