The way of Jesus leads us to a deeper, fuller life. This was true in the ancient world where Jesus first lived and taught, and it’s still true today. But what does it mean to actually practice the way of Jesus in today’s complex, secular world? In this podcast, join John Mark Comer and other guides as they explore this important question through practical teachings and conversations. At Practicing the Way, we are here to help you journey to a deeper life with God.
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Is the world getting worse? Or better? John Mark explores how the world is progressing materially and technologically, but regressing psychologically, relationally, and spiritually. He shows how, even in the midst of the good and the bad of the human condition, the resurrection of Jesus opens the door for us to live the life we're longing for. Key Scripture Passage: Romans 8v18-25 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this e...
Gavin Bennett delves into Jesus's teachings on fruitfulness, examining the parable of the talents and the cursing of the fig tree. He addresses the initial discomfort these challenging passages can evoke, revealing their deeper meaning about spiritual formation and God's heart for justice. The discussion emphasizes that true stewardship means faithfully using every aspect of our current lives – our jobs, relationships, and daily tasks – as gifts from God, not just for personal gain, but for the sake of others and the advancement of God's kingdom.
"Compassion isn't convenient or easy." Christian Dawson, Pastor of Worship at Bridgetown Church, explores the parable of the Good Samaritan, challenging us to embody love and lean into compassion for others, even when it's inconvenient. Key Scripture Passage: Luke 10v25-37 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Adam from New Braunfels, Texas; Liz from Tihiotonga, Rotorua; Melissa from Hastings, Minnesota...
How can we live out Jesus' vision for our cities amidst the complexities of modern life? In this teaching, Tyler Staton offers us a compelling vision for loving our neighbors and communities, both acknowledging the obstacles we must overcome in living that vision and challenging us to reorient our values and priorities around the Kingdom of God rather than our broader culture. Key Scripture Passage: Romans 12v2-3 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly ...
"Wealth quickly becomes destructive for those who don't respect its power." Tyler Staton, Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church, examines Jesus' teaching that "you cannot serve God and Mammon." He shows us how wealth promises what it can't deliver, and encourages us to defy the deformative power of money by serving the poor, practicing generosity, and dying to our false selves. Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 6v19-24 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly gi...
What keeps us from meaningful connection? Bethany Allen, Elder and Associate Pastor at Bridgetown Church, talks about what obstacles we face when walking out Jesus' invitation to live like family, challenging us to face our limits and become truly vulnerable in our close relationships. Key Scripture Passage: Mark 3v31-35 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Mary Jane from Lithia Springs, Georgia; Chloe...
Tyler Staton examines Jesus' teaching on "fruit" in Matthew's Gospel, questioning common metrics of spiritual progress like moral decisions or religious practices. He argues that true spiritual health is measured by the tangible fruit of love for others, warning against spiritual illnesses like pity, self-centered wellness, and scrupulosity that hinder genuine formation. The teaching culminates in the concept of "first fruits," where our lives become early signs of God's renewed world through small, consistent acts of sacrificial love.
"What would you do if you weren't afraid?" John Mark delves into the idea that true peace is more than the absence of conflict—it is a profound inner state offered as a gift from God. He encourages listeners to cultivate this peace of heart as a vital part of their discipleship and witness in a world filled with fear and anxiety. Key Scripture Passage: John 20v19-22 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to:...
Where does our reading of the Old Testament go wrong? Dr. John H. Walton, professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College, exposes some of the common missteps that we take when interpreting Scripture, encouraging us to approach Scripture as it is, and not as we'd imagine it to be. Key Scripture Passage: Hebrews 12v1-2 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jennifer from Menifee, California; Ian from Denton...
Pastor Gerald Griffin examines the story of King Saul, highlighting his repeated failures due to disobedience and blame-shifting, contrasting it with David's humble confession. The episode emphasizes that faithful obedience is better than sacrifice and explores how our identity should be rooted in God, not in fear of others or our accomplishments. Gerald shares his own poignant story of a public ministry failure, revealing how God used it to teach him the importance of presence over performance.
Are the odd stories in Scripture relevant to us at all? In this teaching, John Mark dives into the historical books, showing how these stories were written for our benefit, and encouraging us to embrace the hope of God's faithfulness in the midst of our failure. Key Scripture Passages: 2 Samuel 2v8-28, 1 Corinthians 10v1-13 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Fiona from Columbia, Tennessee; Dakotah fr...
This episode challenges the common dichotomy between the Holy Spirit's instant supernatural power and the slow process of spiritual practices, arguing they are complementary. It explores how modern churches often misunderstand the Spirit and the need for a "both/and" approach to faith that integrates thoughtful theology, practical models, and safe spaces for practicing spiritual gifts. The speaker invites listeners to embrace a holistic spiritual formation rooted in both contemplative and charismatic traditions.
Can we be happy in the midst of our suffering? John Mark argues that meaning, more than being happy or healthy, is our core need as humans, and that suffering is one of the primary ways that we live into that meaning. He challenges us to embrace suffering as the forge of our transformation into Christ-like love, where true joy can be found. Key Scripture Passage: Job 23v1-10 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode...
Why do bad things happen to good people? John Mark tackles the question of theodicy and God's justice in this series covering the wisdom literature. This week, he explores the book of Job, and challenges us to embrace the mystery of God, continuing to put our faith and hope in him in the midst of suffering. Key Scripture Passages: Job 1-42 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Julie from Woodinville, Wa...
How can we live with more joy? Ken Shigematsu explores how the good news of Jesus' birth is cause for celebration and happiness. He challenges us to draw near to the source of joy, God himself, and savor his blessings to allow his joy to saturate our hearts and minds. Key Scripture Passages: Luke 1v46-49, Luke 2v10-11, Luke 2v19, 1 Corinthians 2v9 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Tone from Stavange...
Why are we so anxious? Ken Shigematsu invites us to reflect on what Advent teaches about peace of heart. Drawing on Scripture, personal stories, and research, he shows how recognizing and living into God's love can help us move beyond fear and into resilient peace amidst a chaotic world. Key Scripture Passage: Luke 1v30-21, Luke 2v19 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jeremy from Gaithersburg, Maryla...
How do we remain hopeful in a world that's falling apart? Ken Shigematsu reflects on the paradox of Advent, where light meets darkness and hope confronts despair. He challenges us to look honestly at our realities, confront the brutal facts, and find unshakable hope in Christ's first coming and promised return. Key Scripture Passages: Luke 21v25-28; Isaiah 9v1-2, 6; Mark 13v7-8, 24-26 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for th...
Changing our relationship with money is one of the first and most important steps of living as followers of Jesus. In this episode, John Mark explores Jesus' teachings on generosity to the poor. He challenges us to reexamine our preference for accumulation and offers practical ways to share our resources with those in need. Key Scripture Passage: Luke 12v13-34 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Pam f...
"What does it mean to steward God's resources?" John Mark explores Jesus’ countercultural teachings on generosity and stewardship, challenging us to view everything we own as a gift from God, meant to be managed with wisdom and love. Key Scripture Passages: Luke 12v13-48, 2 Corinthians 9v7-11 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Farzad from San Diego, California; Abigail from Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Heath...
John Mark explores Jesus and the New Testament authors warning against the love of money and greed, showing us that money is often an obstacle, not a boon, to the good life. He argues us that true happiness is found not in more money, but in being content with what we have. Key Scripture Passage: 1 Timothy 6v6-19 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Kyle from Fountain Valley, California; Ian from Melbo...
Does more money mean more happiness? John Mark walks through some of Jesus's surprising teachings on money, showing us how social science affirms the fact that generosity, not accumulation, leads to joy. He challenges us to reflect on whether we have an abundance or scarcity mindset, and invites us to deepen our trust in God's generosity. Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 6v19-24, Acts 20v35 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks fo...
Why is there such a disconnect between who we want to be and what we actually do? In this second of two conversations with Ger Jones of Vintage Church LA, John Mark and Ger discuss the practice of contemplation. John Mark argues that we overestimate the ability of willpower and insight to change us. Instead, he offers us three doorways into the practice of contemplation and practical suggestions for integrating this practice in our lives. You can read more in the expanded hardcover edition of Jo...
Do we project our own ideas onto God? In this first of two conversations with Ger Jones of Vintage Church LA, John Mark and Ger explore the significance of God having a name and how God's self-disclosure often contradicts our assumptions. They challenge us to re-examine and adjust our implicit knowledge of God by reckoning with God's character revealed in Scripture. You can read more in the expanded hardcover edition of John Mark’s book God Has a Name , now available wherever books are sold. Key...
Do you represent God well? John Mark explores God's final characteristic: jealous, like a passionate husband protecting his bride. As he tracks this theme throughout the Scriptures, he leaves us with a prophetic invitation to carry the name of Yahweh into every sphere of our lives. Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 34v6-14, Deuteronomy 28v1-10, Exodus 19v1-6, Leviticus 19v1-18, Exodus 20v1-7, Ezekiel 36v16-23 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers....
Does God punish children for their parent's sin? John Mark explores the final section of Exodus 34v6-7, highlighting the beauty of God's justice, the gravity of sin, and God's overwhelming proclivity towards forgiveness and mercy over wrath and judgment. Key Scripture Passage: Exodus 34v6-7, Numbers 14v11-23, Matthew 18v21-35 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Camie from Roswell, Georgia; Violet from...
"We think of God's love and God's anger as at odds with one another. That's because we don't understand God's love or God's anger." John Mark challenges our perceptions of God, both the God who is always angry and the God who never gets angry, by showing in the Scriptures how God is both patient and wrathful, and why both are important for our understanding of who God is and what that means for us in our lives. Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 34v6-7, Matthew 21v12-14, James 1v19-20, 5v7-8 This po...
"We all love that God is compassionate and gracious, but what about when God is compassionate and gracious to people you hate?" John Mark walks us through the passages demonstrating the scandalous compassion and graciousness of God, inviting us to imitate God by extending compassion and grace to others in our lives. Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 34v6-7, Jonah 1-4, Luke 17v11-19, Luke 18v35-43, Luke 15v11-32, Luke 6v35-36 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of...
Why does God need a name in the first place? John Mark argues that it's because there are many "gods". He surveys scripture passages relating to gods and demonic beings, not only warning us that they are real and should never be worshipped, but that Yahweh is the one true creator God and is higher than them all. Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 34v6-7, Exodus 12v12, Exodus 15v11, Exodus 20v2-4, Psalm 82, Mark 5v1-13, Ephesians 6v10-12 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our c...
Who is God? John Mark dives deep into God's name, Yahweh, and the significance that holds for what he's like: a consistent God who wants to be in relationship with us. Key Scripture Passage: Exodus 34v6-7, Exodus 33v7-23, Genesis 17v1-5, Exodus 3v1-18 This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Julie from Dallas, Texas; Luke from Springfield, Missouri; Phoebe from Hokowhitu, New Zealand; Leigh from Robinson, ...
What comes to mind when you hear the word church? John Mark challenges us to rethink our definition, exploring the deeper meaning of church as the "called out ones," a new humanity formed by Jesus to carry the kingdom of God to every corner of the world. He calls us to see church as a family that embodies the kingdom of God through everyday relationships, practices, and a shared mission to spread God's kingdom. Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 10v1-7, Matthew 16v13-18, Acts 1v6-9, Acts 2v1-4,41-4...
