PODCAST · religion
In and For
by Sightline (formerly Josh McDowell Ministry)
As Christians who are in and for Christ, we can't simply stand by as culture crumbles. We must be more than just "in" culture. We must also be "for" its ultimate good. Join us as we look at current cultural trends and apply ideas from apologetics and evangelism to equip you to impact those around you with compassion, truth, and grace.
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17
The "Safe" Jesus vs. The Real Jesus with Josh Newell
Share your thoughts with us!“Who do you say that I am?”It is one of the most significant questions any of us will ever answer. Yet today, the world seems more confused than ever about the response. We have turned Jesus into a "safe" figure: a moral teacher, a social activist, or a wise prophet. We often reshape Him to fit our own comfort zones and cultural narratives. But what happens when we strip away the misconceptions and see Jesus clearly?In this episode of In & For, we sit down with Josh Newell, Executive Director of the Jesus Film Project. Josh shares incredible insights from a ministry that has reached billions of people in over 2,000 languages. Together, we discuss the global "category crisis" surrounding Jesus and why the "real" Jesus is so much more radical and more hopeful than the "safe" versions we create.In this conversation, we explore:The Global Perspective: Why 3 billion people still have not heard the name of Jesus and the "injustice" of that gap.Heart Language and Dignity: How hearing the Gospel in a native tongue (including the first ever Jesus Film for the Deaf) removes barriers to the heart.The "Idol Maker" Problem: How our hearts naturally tend to reshape Jesus into something non-threatening.Post-Christian Lessons: What the U.S. can learn from the "post-church" culture of France about listening and engaging in spiritual conversations.The Next Generation: A first look at the upcoming Animated Jesus Film designed for Gen Alpha and the visual "heart language" of the future.Practical Next Steps for You:Get Honest: Ask yourself where you have reshaped Jesus to fit your life instead of letting Him reshape you.Start a Conversation: This week, ask one person, "Who do you think Jesus is?" and just listen.Watch the Story: Experience the Gospel of Luke anew at JesusFilm.org/watch."The Jesus you believe in is the Jesus you follow." Join us as we cut through the noise to see Him for who He truly is.Sightline and the Jesus Film Project are both part of the Cru family of ministries. We work together to ensure the world sees Jesus clearly.Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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16
The Reality of the Resurrection for You
Share your thoughts with us!Explore the profound significance of Easter through the eyes of Mary Magdalene, emphasizing its personal impact and historical evidence for you today. Discover how the resurrection transforms understanding from mere knowledge to a living relationship with Jesus.Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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15
Expressive Individualism: Why "You Do You" is Exhausting w/ Jonathan Morrow
Share your thoughts with us!Does "Living Your Truth" feel more like a heavy burden than a breakthrough?In 1994, the average 21-year-old had seen 300,000 ads. Today, that number is 38 million. We are constantly told we have the power to control our lives, define our identities, and create our own truth. But as we discuss, with Jonathan Morrow, when we become our own highest authority, we don't actually find freedom; we find a crushing sense of performance and despair.In this episode, we cut through the cultural fog surrounding "Expressive Individualism" to discover why the "authentic self" is a shaky foundation for a life.We dive deep into:The Rise of Scientism: How the loss of moral knowledge left us with nothing but power struggles.The Freedom Paradox: Why modern freedom (doing whatever you want) is actually a form of slavery to our shifting desires.The "Ought" Problem: Why we never feel like we’re "enough" when we are the ones setting the standards.The Antidote: How moving from autonomy to obedience actually grants us the freedom to flourish."Freedom is found in cooperating with how God designed us to be." Join us for a conversation that moves past the debate and toward the relief found in the authority of Jesus.About Our Guest: Jonathan Morrow Jonathan knows that today’s culture can feel like a maze of conflicting messages. That’s why he has spent years providing solid ground for those questioning their faith or heading into the 'front lines' of college. As the author of Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible’s Authority and Welcome to College, Jonathan cuts through the intellectual and cultural confusion that often clouds our view of God.Beyond the books, Jonathan is a practical advocate for the family, having created Refresh to help busy parents confidently lead their children through the challenges of social media and technology. He is a passionate voice for anyone wanting to build a faith that isn't just a tradition, but a conviction.Follow Jonathan on Instagram: @followjesuswithyourphoneResources Mentioned in this Episode:Chasing Love by Sean McDowellThe Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl TruemanVisit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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14
Settling for Spirituality with Matthew Tingblad
Share your thoughts with us!Spiritual hunger is resurging, but is it leading us closer to Christ or further into confusion? In this eye-opening episode, we unpack the surprising rise of "spiritual but not religious" beliefs and what they really mean for believers today.While headlines shout about a spiritual revival or the decline of faith, the truth is more nuanced: a global shift toward superficial spirituality, swallowing many into a dangerous blend of contradictory beliefs. Matthew Tingblad shares compelling data tracing the explosive growth of the "nones" and the subtle but profound difference between atheism, agnosticism, and genuine spiritual longing. You'll discover how most people aren't rejecting faith outright but searching for authenticity in a culture that offers a confusing smorgasbord of beliefs.Learn about the critical differences between true Christianity and the myriad of spiritual paths competing for attention. We break down why Christianity uniquely offers a relationship—not just rules—addressing the deep hunger that no other worldview satisfies. The episode explores powerful frameworks like the "one-one-one" gospel and the importance of asking thoughtful questions to navigate this spiritual landscape effectively.Don’t miss why embracing biblical discernment, clarity, and authentic relationships is more crucial than ever. Ignoring this spiritual awakening risks missing the fertile ground where God is working, while on the flip side, properly guiding the hungry toward Christ’s truth can transform lives in this confusing age. Perfect for pastors, evangelists, and believers eager to respond wisely and compassionately, this episode equips you to stand firm and speak clearly in a pluralistic world.Join us to understand what’s really happening behind the headlines and how to turn spiritual curiosity into authentic discipleship. The harvest is plentiful—are you ready to lead with love and truth?Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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13
The Unfiltered Christmas Story
Share your thoughts with us!While we often imagine the Nativity Story as a silent night with angels sweetly singing, the actual event bears little resemblance to these themes. It was a chaotic, messy, difficult scene that our Lord entered into. It’s important to get this story right, because when we do, we see how He still enters into our chaos today to redeem a world in desperate need of a Savior. Listen in as we discuss the real story.In this episode, we explore the true nature of the Nativity, contrasting the peaceful imagery often associated with Christmas with the chaotic reality described in scripture. We discuss the significance of Jesus' birth in a broken world, the role of shepherds and angels, and how understanding this unfiltered version of Christmas can impact our lives. The conversation emphasizes the hope found in Jesus amidst chaos and the importance of recognizing the already and not yet of our faith.Key Takeaways from this EpisodeThe Nativity is often portrayed as peaceful, but scripture reveals chaos.Mary was a young girl, alone and terrified during childbirth.The shepherds were under pressure, watching over sacrificial lambs.Angels appeared as battle-armored warriors, not gentle beings.Jesus' birth signifies hope in a broken world.We often polish the Nativity to avoid confronting chaos.True peace comes from Jesus, not from perfect circumstances.Understanding the Nativity helps us navigate our struggles.We live in the tension of the already and not yet.The perfect Christmas was the arrival of Christ, not our celebrations.Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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12
Four Things we Forget about Faith
Share your thoughts with us!In this thought-provoking episode of the In and For Podcast, we delve into the true meaning of faith. We explore common misconceptions and clarify what faith is (( and isn't) according to the Bible. Through engaging discussions and relatable analogies, we reveal how faith is not blind or opposed to reason, but rather a deep trust in God's promises. Join us as we unpack four key aspects of faith that are often overlooked, offering listeners a clearer understanding of how to live a faith-filled life in today's complex world.Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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11
The Truth We're Missing about Right and Wrong
Share your thoughts with us!We’re more confused than ever about right and wrong. In a culture where feelings set the rules and standards keep shifting, Shelley Komoszewski and Brock Anderson expose the deeper truth we’re missing. Using Josh McDowell’s classic Precept → Principle → Person framework, they show why God Himself—not culture—is the anchor we’ve lost. If you want clarity, you can live and pass on. This episode is a must-listen.Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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10
Anchors in the Chaos: A Biblical Roadmap for Tragic Times
Share your thoughts with us!The headlines seem relentless. The news cycle is a constant stream of tragic events that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disoriented, and anxious. As the world reels from chaos and confusion, it’s easy for our hearts to grow numb or sink into despair.As Christians, how are we supposed to respond? Do we just turn it all off? Are there easy answers or simple platitudes?In this episode, we cut through the noise to offer a durable, compassionate, and deeply biblical framework for navigating tragic times. We move beyond reactions and opinions to explore a four-part roadmap for processing tragedy in a way that anchors us in the character of God: Mourning, Meeting with God, Meditating on His character, and Moving Forward.Join us for a conversation that will equip you to grieve with hope, pray with purpose, and become a non-anxious presence of light in a world desperate for clarity and peace.Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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9
A Better Approach to Evangelism (with Doug Pollock)
Share your thoughts with us!The distorted view of justice in our culture has greatly impacted how we share the gospel with others - and not in a good way. Culture's view of justice is really about "just us." It is me-focused and has retribution at its center, which translates to a power play evangelistic method that is far from winsome. However, biblical justice is interwoven with themes of mercy, reconciliation and a desire for those justly separated from God to be justified by Him. It leads to the kind of evangelism that is slow to speak, quick to listen and results in conversations that are a joy for everyone involved.Veteran evangelist Doug Pollock joins us for a must-listen episode on how to have better evangelistic discussions through a correct view of justice that sees people as God sees them. Doug is author of God Space, a phenomenal resource on evangelism and is an evangelism trainer for Athletes in Action, a Cru ministry. Resources:God Space by Doug PollockThe Jesus Test (free download)Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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8
Finding Beauty in the Fire (w/ Scott Hitzel)
Share your thoughts with us!In this episode, Shelley Komoszewski and Brock Anderson discuss the concept of beauty in relation to faith, suffering, and community. They are joined by Scott Hitzel, who shares his personal journey through the devastating California fires, highlighting how beauty can emerge from unexpected places, even in the midst of loss. The conversation explores the importance of community support, spiritual insights, and practical steps to recognize beauty in struggles, ultimately emphasizing the resilience of faith and the presence of God in difficult times.Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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7
What We're Getting Wrong about Gen Z (with Dr. Tanita Maddox of Young Life)
Share your thoughts with us!In this episode of the In & For podcast, we talk with Dr. Tanita Maddox - National Director for Generational Impact for Young Life - to explore the complexities of Gen Z. We discuss common misconceptions about this generation, emphasizing their empathy and resilience. Dr. Maddox highlights the importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding the unique challenges Gen Z faces, including mental health and safety concerns. She also shares incredibly helpful insights on how older generations can better connect with Gen Z by addressing their specific questions and experiences, ultimately fostering a more meaningful dialogue about faith and spirituality. Join us for a conversation that will help you have more meaningful and winsome spiritual conversation with Gen Z (and Gen Alpha)!Pre-order Dr. Maddox's upcoming book: What Gen Z Really Wants to Know about God: 7 Questions about Life and FaithVisit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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6
Disarming the Distorted Truth about Doubt (with Austin Fruits)
Share your thoughts with us!In this episode, we discuss the complex relationship between doubt and faith, exploring how doubt is often misconstrued as sin. Special guest and international speaker Austin Fruits joins us as we share personal stories of doubt, define what doubt truly means, and address cultural challenges that both younger and older generations face in their faith journeys. Listen in as we talk about the importance of encouraging open discussions about doubt, especially among parents and guardians, and highlight practical ways to navigate these challenges through "mirrors, maps, and mystery".Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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5
Resurrection: Three Questions Every Christian Should Ask (with Matthew Tingblad)
Share your thoughts with us!Three questions are critical to ask when it comes to the topic of resurrection. First, how does resurrection fulfill a natural longing that we all recognize? Second, do we have good reason to believe Jesus was raised from the dead? And third, does the promise of resurrection mean more than just life after death for Christians or does it have every-day impact? Join us as we talk with Matthew Tingblad, an apologist, international speaker, and author of "Why Did God Do That? Discovering God's Goodness in the Hard Passages of Scripture"Other Resources mentioned: On the Resurrection: Evidences, Gary HabermasTimeline:00:00Introduction to the Resurrection Discussion03:14Exploring the Natural Longing for Resurrection06:08Historical Evidence for Jesus' Resurrection09:15Alternative Theories and Their Shortcomings12:09The Impact of Resurrection on Daily Life15:12Personal Stories and the Assurance of Hope18:09Conclusion and Future TopicsVisit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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4
Understanding the Spiritual Questions of Different Generations
Share your thoughts with us!Listen in as we discuss the spiritual questions and concerns of different generations, from Baby Boomers all the way to Generation Alpha. We explore how each generation's unique experiences shape their worldview and spiritual inquiries and provide insights on how to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and truth.Resources and research:The Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtGenerations by Jean TwengeCustom research by James Choung from Inner VarsityChapters:00:00Introduction to Generational Perspectives01:15Understanding Baby Boomers: The Search for Truth04:35Exploring Generation X: Authenticity and Trust10:49Millennials: The Quest for Goodness18:24Gen Z: Beauty and Justice in a Post-Truth World28:22Looking Ahead: Generation Alpha and the Future of TruthVisit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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3
How to Address the Cultural Crisis of Hopelessness
Share your thoughts with us!In this episode of the In and For podcast, Brock Anderson and Shelley Komoszewski explore the cultural crisis of hopelessness and how hope has been misdefined in society. They contrast this with the biblical understanding of hope as a confident expectation based on God's promises. The conversation delves into practical takeaways for individuals to examine their own sources of hope and how to engage with others in a meaningful way, ultimately challenging listeners to be a source of hope in their communities.takeawaysHopelessness is a cultural crisis affecting many individuals.Cultural definitions of hope often equate to wishful thinking.Biblical hope is a confident expectation based on God's promises.Misplaced hope can lead to disappointment and anxiety.Hope should be anchored in God's character and rooted in Jesus.True hope is a living hope that transcends circumstances.We must examine where we functionally place our hope.Engaging with others about hope requires honesty and vulnerability.The gospel invites others to share in the hope we have in Christ.Being a source of hope means being prepared to share our faith with gentleness and respect.Visit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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2
How to Influence Culture in 2025
Share your thoughts with us!In the inaugural episode of the In and For podcast, hosts Brock Anderson and Shelley Komoszewski of the Josh McDowell Ministry discuss the intersection of faith and culture, emphasizing how to be 'in and for' culture for its ultimate good. They explore the definition of culture, the biblical mandate to engage with it, and the three approaches Christians can take toward culture (and which one is most effective). This episode highlights the need for understanding cultural issues, finding personal influence, and being authentically present in conversations about faith. The episode concludes with practical steps for listeners to engage their communities and share the message of Jesus effectively.Resources mentioned:Josh McDowell MinistryEvidence that Demands a VerdictMore than a CarpenterSharing Jesus without Freaking OutKey moments00:00Introduction to the In and For Podcast03:05Understanding the Mission of the Podcast05:52Defining Culture and Its Importance09:09Navigating the In but Not Of Concept11:59The Men of Issachar: Understanding the Times14:46Approaches to Culture: "Against" and "Of"18:56The "In and For" Approach to Culture24:03Practical Steps to Engage Culture29:54Understanding Cultural Issues33:10Finding Your Influence37:06Knowing Your Limits in Cultural Engagement40:55Recap and Next StepsVisit us online:Sightlineministry.orgSubscribe:YouTubeFollow us on:FacebookInstagramX
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
As Christians who are in and for Christ, we can't simply stand by as culture crumbles. We must be more than just "in" culture. We must also be "for" its ultimate good. Join us as we look at current cultural trends and apply ideas from apologetics and evangelism to equip you to impact those around you with compassion, truth, and grace.
HOSTED BY
Sightline (formerly Josh McDowell Ministry)
CATEGORIES
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