Mission Upside Down - podcast cover

Mission Upside Down

For 2000 years, the followers of Jesus have been on a mission, even as Jesus himself was on a mission. Often wrongly understood as “saving souls,” this mission of Jesus actually is about bringing people into a new kingdom, a new reality. Life in this new kingdom requires not only a change of heart and mind, but a change in life-purpose and worldview. As Jesus himself observes, there are not many people who will want this change. But for those who are changed by God inwardly, life in this new kingdom, brings new meaning and purpose in life. Everyone who becomes part of this new kingdom finds that almost all their prior beliefs, ideas, attitudes, and perspectives become turned “upside down.”
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Episodes

#56 Romans: The Diamond on the Golden Ring Part 1

In this new season, we start by looking at the Book of Romans. Martin Luther called Romans “the chief part of the New Testament.” In four episodes about the first three chapters of Romans, we’ll understand why Luther said that.

Sep 24, 202125 minSeason 2Ep. 29

#55 Reflections on M.U.D.

In this episode we look back upon the past year of “Mission Upside Down.” Our listeners have some favorite episodes and so do we. We’re also going to be taking a break and will resume in September.

Jul 21, 202120 minSeason 2Ep. 28

#54 Leftovers for the Puppy Dogs

In Mark 7:27 Jesus says something quite shocking, even potentially offensive. It’s about a certain Gentile woman. But in his words and in her response, we learn a powerful lesson about humility and about simply trusting him.

Jul 14, 202121 minSeason 2Ep. 27

#53 Life in the Father’s House

In 1 Timothy 3:15 we read about “the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” To have life in Christ means that we must have a place in his church on earth.

Jul 07, 202124 minSeason 2Ep. 26

#52 Meeting Together as Church

We in the western world live quite individualistically. The COVID epidemic also has caused us to become more separated from one another. In contrast, Jesus calls us to meet together to worship and to minister together as his church in this world.

Jun 30, 202125 minSeason 2Ep. 25

#51 How My Faith Survived the Church

Philip Yancey has written several best-selling Christian books. In this episode, we learn God used several people, mostly writers, to restore his hope for the church. Some of those writers might encourage you.

Jun 23, 202122 minSeason 2Ep. 24

#50 Giving Up on the Church

It’s easy to give up on the church. People give up because of some bad pastors, or unbiblical teachings, or phoney believers. In some cases believers might have to leave their congregation. But usually they should remain.

Jun 16, 202124 minSeason 2Ep. 23

#49 Four Trees

From the first book of the Bible to the last book, from Genesis to Revelation, the main message is found in descriptions of four trees. Learn about these trees and about the wonderful future which awaits believers.

Jun 09, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 22

#48 The Providence of God

Do you believe God plans all things in life--not only the good things, but also the bad things? In this episode we explore the Bible’s teaching on the topic of God’s providence.

Jun 02, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 21

#47 Knowing Yourself When You Know God

The ancient Greek philosophers said, “Know yourself.” Though John Calvin agrees with this point, he emphasizes that proper self-knowledge flows out of our knowing the true God. Only as we know God can we rightly know ourselves.

May 27, 202124 minSeason 2Ep. 20

#46 A Pastor from the Past

Along with Martin Luther, God also raised up the pastor John Calvin to bring about a return to the Bible in the 16th century. Listen as Calvin’s pastoral heart is revealed through some letters he wrote in those days.

May 19, 202120 minSeason 2Ep. 19

#45 Right Doctrine Used Rightly

Let’s look at three more ways that biblical doctrine helps us. With the previous episode that makes five ways altogether. If it’s right doctrine, and used rightly, then we and our churches will be helped greatly.

May 12, 202122 minSeason 2Ep. 18

#44 Does Doctrine Make a Difference?

Some believers think of “doctrine” as a bad word. Yet, biblically and historically, it’s actually a good word. Though sometimes used in a wrong way, biblical doctrine can be used today to help believers and churches.

May 05, 202125 minSeason 2Ep. 17

#43 The Work of Sowing and the Joy of Reaping

It’s not easy to talk to people about Jesus. In fact, it often requires hard work. But Jesus reminds us that someday there will be a gospel harvest. And then we, along with the new believer, will be rejoicing.

Apr 28, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 16

#42 Conversations about Jesus

How can we talk to people about Jesus? In John 4, Jesus gives us some help in talking to unbelievers. Though we cannot do everything Jesus did, we can find some practical help in these verses.

Apr 21, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 15

#41 Stop DOING Evangelism

How do believers speak to unbelievers about Jesus? Often, it’s by quoting some Bible verses or using a memorized presentation. From John chapters three and four we will learn where we must begin.

Apr 14, 202122 minSeason 2Ep. 14

#40 More Takeaways from Luther

Having considered one big takeaway from Luther in a previous episode, we now consider three more takeaways. In God’s providence, the teachings of Luther continue to have a powerful effect upon our beliefs and practices today.

Apr 07, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 13

#39 Easter Sunday with Martin Luther

Almost 500 years ago, Martin Luther preached this sermon on Easter Sunday. It is based on John 20:17. Listen as Luther beautifully explains what Easter means for us today.

Mar 31, 202122 minSeason 2Ep. 12

#38 A Man Named Luther

More books have been written about Martin Luther than anyone except Jesus. That’s according to one historian. Yet many people today know very little about him. Let’s learn how God used Martin Luther to change the world.

Mar 24, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 11

#37 Our Earthly Calling

It’s possible to become so heavenly minded that we end up having little earthly value. We as believers must keep in balance our earthly and heavenly callings. In this episode, we focus on how God calls us to our earthly duties.

Mar 17, 202121 minSeason 2Ep. 10

#36 Our Heavenly Citizenship

Followers of Jesus are citizens of heaven. The Bible says that we must set our minds on the things above. Our heavenly citizenship helps us handle many earthly situations.

Mar 10, 202124 minSeason 2Ep. 9

#35 A News Fast and a Gospel Feast

Almost all news reports emphasize the bad news. As a result, people are becoming increasingly pessimistic and negative. Some are getting depressed. Now is the time to go on a ‘news fast’ and also to enjoy a ‘gospel feast.’

Mar 03, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 8

#34 Praying for One Another

Part of our prayer life should include asking other believers to pray for us. As we share our needs with them, we are humbled. And as they pray for us, we are strengthened.

Feb 25, 202122 minSeason 2Ep. 7

#33 Praying the Psalms

The psalms in the Bible can be used in your daily prayers. By using the words of the psalms you’ll find new ways of talking to God in prayer. Try it! You’ll soon find your prayers more satisfying and more God-glorifying.

Feb 17, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 6

#32 Prayer Basics

We often make prayer too complicated. In contrast, Jesus teaches us a basic and easy way to pray. In this episode we cover some of those “prayer basics” so that we will be able to pray more naturally and more often.

Feb 11, 202124 minSeason 2Ep. 5

#31 Augustine’s Conversion

Following the previous episode, we listen to Augustine’s account of his conversion experience. The final step is very dramatic. Yet Augustine came to realize that God had been at work in his life for many years before he took that final step.

Feb 03, 202122 minSeason 2Ep. 4

#30 Augustine Before His Conversion

The church leader, Augustine, was raised in north Africa around the year 400 A.D. He writes about his life before and after he was converted. It’s a fascinating story. In this episode we hear him describe his life before his conversion.

Jan 27, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 3

#29 Being Converted

To have a relationship with God, each of us needs to be converted. Randal explains the biblical meaning of conversion. He also shares the stories of four people converted to faith in Jesus.

Jan 20, 202123 minSeason 2Ep. 2

#28 Talking about Trauma

Counselor Andrew McKenzie explains how people can be traumatized by various events, including the death of a loved one or even in the current epidemic. He also gives practical advice about helping people cope with trauma in their lives.

Jan 13, 202127 minSeason 2Ep. 1

#27 More Classic Hymns

Here’s a second list of Christian songs that every believer should know. By knowing these classic hymns and singing them, you’ll be giving glory to God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What’s more, these songs will encourage you during difficult times.

Jan 06, 202124 minSeason 1Ep. 27
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