PODCAST · religion
In Focus
by Justin Laughlin
Taking fresh looks at the Bible and some big Christian ideas and how they bring the world into focus, empowering us to live a more eternal kind of life within it.
Episodes
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Acts 1B – Taking Action in Less-Than-Ideal Circumstances
Today's episode picks up the second half of Acts 1 for a look at how the disciples stepped out in faithfulness in very less-than-ideal circumstances. Four primary observations in this passage serve as four take aways, four bits of actionable wisdom for all of us who will face similar times in our...
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Acts 1A – Setting the Stage
Acts 1A sets the stage for the extraordinary events that are about to unfold. Luke is clear from the very beginning that what we are about to read is a continuation of some very important story lines that have been unfolding since all of the way back into the Old Testament.
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The Business at Hand #6 – Faithfulness and Judgment
This episode concludes "The Business at Hand" series by returning to Luke 19 for a final look at two big, important Christian ideas: faithfulness and judgment. Share this episode
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The Business at Hand #5 – Being Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Luke records our last account of the King's final instructions for the disciples just before his ascension. After recounting many details we've heard previously from Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke makes this distinct and important contribution to the business at hand – the King doesn't intend for…
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The Business at Hand #4 – Bringing Peace and Reconciliation
John brings us our third account of the King's business for the disciples between his ascension and his return. Specifically, our business is to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation. The business at hand is to see people being made right with God, right with each other, and right in the…
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The Business at Hand #3 – Gospeling
Today's episode brings into focus the business at hand according to the King's commission in Mark - Gospeling. Share this episode [email protected]
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The Business at Hand #2 – Discipling
Matthew 28 records the first account of the King's final instructions for his disciples before his ascension. This "Great Commission" is simply this: Make Disciples. Today's episode is simply an exercise in hearing what Jesus had to say: 1. Everyone is to BE a disciple. And every disciple is to...
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The Business at Hand #1 - The King's Business
Today's episode is 1 of 5 regarding the business at hand for those of us living between the King's ascension and his return. Episode Link [email protected]
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Movement #3 – Jesus' Vision and Example
Today we look at Mark 4:26–29 and Jesus' vision of life when he is our Savior and King. This vision matches Jesus' own example of ministry, mission, and disciple making. Globally, this passage corresponds with a simple tool known as 4Fields, which brings into focus, clearly and simply, a vision…
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Movements #2 – Distinct Movement Values
This second episode on movements explores 2 pairs of values, 2 pairs of biblical principles important for initiating and sustaining disciple-making and church-planting movements. https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/12895860
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Movements #1 — Who's doing what?!
I'm back! After a much-longer-than-expected hiatus, it's time for a quick look back on what God was doing back in the days of the New Testament to appreciate what (and how) God is moving in the world today. (You can also check out this movement overview video.) It's great to be back kicking off…
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Living in Babylon #7 – Like Father, Like Son
Today finds us in Daniel 5 discovering a number of poignant takeaways from the examples of Belshazzar (what NOT to do) and Daniel (what to do) as the historical Babylonian empire comes to an end. Contact email: [email protected] Discovering Jesus (Amazon link) Today's episode:...
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Living in Babylon #6 – You Never Know....
This episode continues our look at how to live faithfully in the intersection of culture, politics, and faith in often less-than-ideal circumstances. Learning from the events of Daniel 4, we learn that, regarding life in Babylon, it's hard to predict exactly how things are going to unfold. What…
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Living in Babylon #5 – Adventures in Missing the Point
Today's episode is setup by an epic adventure in missing the point. God has spoken. But a short memory and blinding pride get the best of an evil king, setting us up for one of the most famous stories in the Bible. It has a lot to teach us about living in Babylon and it's pretty enjoyable along…
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Living in Babylon #4 – Prudence, Discretion, and Dependence
Today's episode dives into Daniel 2 to see what we might have to learn from Daniel about living faithfully in the intersection of politics, history, and culture. What emerges are some big ideas: Prudence, Discretion, and Dependence. Here's a direct link to today's episode:...
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Living in Babylon #3 – Concession and Distinction
Today's episode dives into Daniel 1 in search of wisdom and big ideas by which we might better discern how live faithfully in the intersection of history, politics, religion, and culture. It's certainly not easy, but it's doable. What emerges is a pair of surprising and challenging ideas:...
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Living in Babylon #2 – Interview with Mark Thomas
Today's episode, the second in the series, is an interview with Justin's long-time friend and inspiration behind the series on Daniel, Mark Thomas. Contact: [email protected] Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/9274994
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Living in Babylon #1 – Introducing Babylon
This episode kicks off a new series on Daniel and Babylon. It takes a look at the expansive role of Babylon in the biblical narrative and imagination from Genesis 10 all the way to Revelation 18. This sets us up to understand and appreciate the value of what we discover in Daniel 1–7. Daniel was...
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Man on Fire
Today we reflect on a famous prophecy from Deuteronomy about the One who will succeed Moses in speaking to the people on behalf of the holy God. Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8435620 [email protected]
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Distinct
Today's episode is a brief reflection on a conversation between God and Moses in Exodus 33. It is all about what makes God's people distinct from all of the people around them. Link to today's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/8342709 Contact email: [email protected]...
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Stormy Horizons
Jesus concluded his most famous sermon with some wisdom for those staring at a stormy horizon with the tide rolling in. We're facing a similar situation today and ready for the wisdom that Jesus has to offer us. [email protected] Pilot (Justin's new book on Amazon) Stormy Horizons…
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The Blessed (Matthew 5:3-11)
Today's show kicks off a series on doing the Sermon on the Mount. Takeaways in thinking and living and being from Matthew 5:3-11: Perspective. We have to think and live and speak in light of what God is up to in the world. Christlikeness. Jesus' way is not the world's way. His is the way of the...
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The Story and the Son
This episode is something of a prequel to "Getting Down to Business" at least in terms of the chronology of God's story. After another overview, it focuses in on Jesus and how the whole story comes together in him. Enjoy! Episode link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/5604601...
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Getting Down to Business
Here's an effort to grab ahold of the fire that's burning in my heart. God is at work. It's an exciting time. And the stakes couldn't be higher. It's time to get down to business. Today's episode is a little bit of the why and the what to all this. Here's my email: [email protected]...
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Check Yourself (Entering God's Promises #6)
Today is the final episode in our look at the early chapters of Joshua and the principles we see there about entering into God's promises. When Joshua encounters God face to face, with sword drawn, his very natural question is this, "Are you for us or our adversaries?" God's reply is a stark...
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New Provision (Entering God's Promises #5)
Today's episode looks at how God's means of provision change through the years and how that change can be a bit challenging along the way. Contact email: [email protected] Direct link for this episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/806117/episodes/4773119
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Jesus has More to Say
John 16:12 conveys a short and sweet message from Jesus, "I've got more to say to you, but you're ready for it yet." The two implications of this verse can set us up for continuing growth and a thriving life in Jesus Christ: Jesus won't speak to us anything we're not ready to hear. Jesus has more...
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Set Apart (Entering God's Promises #4)
Today's episode takes us to Joshua 5 and a time to renew the covenant between God and the people despite the people's forgetfulness and unfaithfulness along the way. The takeaways from today's episode: Remember. Be set apart. Let go. Today's episode:...
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Upstream (Entering God's Promises #3)
Returning to Joshua for the third episode in the series, we enter the story as God's people are crossing over into God's promises. A number of details jump out in this passage (Joshua 3:14-4:9). Amidst everything, a response emerges for us as God's people entering into his promises in our lives...
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You haven't been this way before (Entering God's Promises #2)
This episode returns to the early chapters of Joshua for another look at entering God's promises. It focuses in on Joshua 3 and God's instructions for the people to follow in light of the fact that they haven't been this way before. Takeaways for entering God's promises in our own lives: Keep...
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"You and I" (Entering God's Promises #1)
This kicks off a series on the opening chapters of Joshua about Entering God's Promises. As the book begins, we immediately find a series of "you and I" statements from God regarding the Israelites entering the land God had promised them. While there are times in life when God works in an "I do,...
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Praying with Job: Unleashing Anger and Frustration and Demanding to be Heard
Creating regular times of open space to be present with God was central to Jesus' way of living. As his followers, that practice cannot be ignored as the example we are to follow. However, we live in a world that shapes us as a closed people. This episode sheds light on prayer in light of Job's...
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Practicing Jesus' Way: "Open Space"
This episode introduces a practical means of following Jesus' example and creating regular open space in our lives in order to become fully present with God. It includes a brief look at the what, the why, and the how of practicing Jesus' way in this manner. Hopefully, this episode goes beyond...
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A More Eternal Kind of Life
Today we dive in and talk about "a more eternal kind of life" that Jesus so often speaks of in John's gospel. In particular, we take Jesus words at face value concerning the timing of this eternal life - that it begins right here and now as soon as we turn to Jesus Christ. Finally, "a more…
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Movement: Who's going where?
As the world is unsteadied by the CoVid crisis, the Bible provides us a way of bringing things in to focus that is encouraging and hopeful, especially amidst uncertainty. We need something to change. And that's exactly what the Bible promises. Today's episode reflects on how that change will come...
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Looking Out and Looking Ahead (with Kent Sovine)
For today's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kent Sovine regarding his thoughts and perspective on Church. Kent serves the Mid America District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. God's amazing work in Kent has resulted in a huge heart for the Church as well as a great…
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Chaos, Satan, & Wild Beasts (Mark 1:12-13)
This episode takes a look at Jesus' own life as the example and way for us all, specifically his habitual practice of setting himself apart to God in silence and solitude. From Mark 1:12-13, we also learn a little bit about what we might experience along the way as we embrace Jesus as our Way…
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Paradox in John: Door and Shepherd
This is the third of three episodes reflecting on various tensions and paradoxes addressed by the gospel of John. It takes a look at the ways John 10 addresses the tension between conservative and liberal soteriology (theologies of salvation) and the images of Jesus that each is contingent upon.…
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Holy Week 2020 - Resurrection Sunday
Today's episode is the final one in a series coming to us from YouTube on Holy Week 2020. The episode covers the biggest celebration of the Christian year - Resurrection Sunday. The video for this episode is viewable here for anyone who is interested: https://youtu.be/78CkpAk_RJw Please reach out...
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Holy Week 2020 - Good Friday
Today's episode is the second from a video series recorded for Holy Week 2020. It is a reflection on Good Friday, specifically as recounted in the gospel of Mark. The video of today's episode is viewable at https://youtu.be/vG7GFDOYe2Q You can reach me with show ideas or feedback at...
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Holy Week 2020 - Maundy Thursday
This episode is a reflection on Maundy Thursday and the significance of the Passover as the primary interpretive lens for Jesus' death and resurrection. It was originally recorded for my YouTube channel and is viewable at https://youtu.be/raMd5WR_RRI
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"Unholy Like Esau" (with Chris Martinez)
I am joined for this episode by my very good friend, Chris Martinez as we discuss the differences between reflecting and reacting to the world around us as well as a few things that are definitely worth remembering as our lives continue taking shape and coming into focus. If you have idea for...
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Through the Good and the Bad
This episode is the audio track from some reflections shared on my YouTube channel on how to live well through both good and challenging times - especially as we're navigating through the CoVid 19 times in our respective homes. The video is viewable at: https://youtu.be/FoSf6VzieuQ If you have…
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Paradox in John: New Creation
In this episode, our look at the tensions and paradoxes of John continues with a look at John's hints that in Jesus Christ, the new creation is already beginning and taking root here and now. Feel free to reach out with any suggestions for episodes or ideas on how to improve the show!...
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Paradox in John: To Die or Not to Die?
The episode begins a series on some tensions and paradoxes that come to us from the Gospel of John. It takes a look at John 11:25-26 and some paradoxical statements by Jesus: first, that we will die and then live. Second, that we will never die. This paradox and tension seems particularly worth...
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Love. Believe. Trust?? (with Michael Dizmang)
In this episode, Justin and Michael discuss the challenges of trusting God in the practical details of life and in a world in which our experiences make it difficult to do so.
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Futility
This episode takes a look at a phrase from Romans 8, "creation was subject to futility" in order to bring it into better focus as Paul talks his way through some very big ideas at the culmination of four life-shaping chapters, Romans 5-8.
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Inevitability (Matthew 11 & Romans 6)
This episode examines the inevitability of burdens and service as taught by Jesus in Matthew 11 and Paul in Romans 6.
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Branches (with Michael Dizmang)
Today, we reflect on Jesus' story in John 15 - that he's the Vine and we're branches and the implications of the story that Jesus tells.
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Context of the Gospel
In this episode, Justin builds on the previous episode regarding the content of the gospel to examine the gospel within its biblical context.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Taking fresh looks at the Bible and some big Christian ideas and how they bring the world into focus, empowering us to live a more eternal kind of life within it.
HOSTED BY
Justin Laughlin
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does In Focus have?
In Focus currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is In Focus about?
Taking fresh looks at the Bible and some big Christian ideas and how they bring the world into focus, empowering us to live a more eternal kind of life within it.
How often does In Focus release new episodes?
In Focus has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to In Focus?
You can listen to In Focus on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts In Focus?
In Focus is created and hosted by Justin Laughlin.
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