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 hypothetical consideration and genuinely inspires and empowers you in this important step toward a more eternal kind of life. Should you feel prompted to take such a step of faith, God will meet you along t...
May 10, 2020•20 min•Season 1Ep. 19
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 eternal kind of life" is brought in to focus when remembering that Jesus is the Way for us and that we can actually practice his way in tangible and intentional ways as his followers. Key Takeaways: Eternal li...
May 07, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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 about and answers the question, "Who's going where?" If you have a few seconds, please give the show a rating with your podcast provider and help others be able to find it in the future. You can also sh...
May 05, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 17
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 perspective from which to watch and serve countless local churches and church planting teams. It was so good, I was actually taking notes on a few things Kent said even during the show! Key Content: Non-negotiable...
Apr 27, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 16
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: the leading of the Holy Spirit, a connection with divine history, resistance from satan, and a head-on collision with the wild beasts that are our own thoughts and emotions. Key Points: Jesus is not only t...
Apr 24, 2020•19 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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. As always, if you have any ideas for future episodes or feedback on how to improve the show, I would love to hear from you and can be reached at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com If you haven't yet, please tak...
Apr 16, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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 at this email if you have any suggestions or feedback: justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Apr 12, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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 justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Apr 10, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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
Apr 09, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 future episodes or thoughts on how I can improve the show, please email me at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Apr 07, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 9
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 any thoughts or ideas for the show, please reach out at justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Apr 05, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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! justlaughwithjody@gmail.com
Mar 24, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 considering as we strike balance and perspective as Christians seeking to see clearly and to live well as the world is shaken and unsteady amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mar 18, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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.
Mar 10, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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.
Mar 03, 2020•23 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This episode examines the inevitability of burdens and service as taught by Jesus in Matthew 11 and Paul in Romans 6.
Feb 25, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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.
Feb 18, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode, Justin builds on the previous episode regarding the content of the gospel to examine the gospel within its biblical context .
Feb 11, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 2
There's a surprising lack of clarity regarding the gospel. In this episode, Justin takes a fresh look by examining some explicit "gospel" passages to see what they have to say to us and how the bring the gospel and the world into focus.
Feb 04, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 1
