Attention: the 2024 Practicology Reading Challenge begins now! This February we are reading through John Stott's brief but compelling case for the Christian faith, "Why I Am a Christian" - a short book of wisdom for believers, seekers, and skeptics. Tune in to hear more or less everything you need to know to join in. There will be a prize draw for those who finish the challenge, with AT LEAST 10 Prints of Peace sweatshirts to be given away. See the Practicology website for a reading schedule! Vi...
Jan 26, 2024•8 min
Sometimes just getting out of bed in the morning can be a challenge, especially when our desire for God has gone as cold as winter. Perhaps it would help if we could wake up to the Lord Jesus calling us in the morning? Especially if his words revealed the wonderful truth, that even when our longing for him cools, his longings for us remain as strong and fervent as ever! Scriptures Referenced: Song 2:8-14; Eph 5:22-33 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast...
Jan 22, 2024•15 min
In his book on How to Read Proverbs, Tremper Longman III says that one of that book's themes is Loving the Right Woman. He adds “Proverbs understands that a good wife [or husband!] is one of the most important things in life." While acknowledging that marriage isn't for everyone, Matthew & Mike discuss the goodness of marriage and some principles from Scripture for how to identify someone with whom we should be happy to pursue a relationship. Scriptures Referenced:Gen 24; Prov 12:4; Prov 18:...
Jan 15, 2024•36 min
It's common to start a new year brimming with motivation to read the Bible, only to have that motivation quickly evaporate as the stress and busyness of normal life return. In this episode, a very special guest (the apostle Peter!) joins Mike and Matthew to give us four motivations that will keep us paying careful attention to God's Word all year. We need to see the Bible against (1) the darkness, (2) the dawn, (3) man-made myths, and against (4) the backdrop of personal encounter with God. Scri...
Jan 08, 2024•32 min
A special Christmas GNFY episode, remembering the words of the angel to the shepherds on the first Christmas night. Stay tuned to the end for some info on some upcoming prize giveaways! Scriptures Referenced: Luke 2:10-11 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook
Dec 18, 2023•15 min
In part 2 with Vincent Kember, we continue our examination of the role of creative action in the life of all believers. The arts are revealed to be a powerful way to tell the world a different story. Not only can we appreciate the contributions of others, but in our own sphere, we can develop our God-given capabilities. Scriptures Referenced: Job 38, Psa 8, Psa 139, Jer 18 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook
Dec 11, 2023•27 min
Should Christians be concerned with art? In this episode, guest contributor Vincent Kember moves us towards a clearer understanding of the role of creativity and making as we work in the shadow of the Master Craftsman. We explore:- Myths about the arts- Scriptural clues pointing to the importance of creativity- The power of art as embodied creatures- A wider definition of "Christian art" Scriptures Referenced: Gen 1; Exo 31 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology ...
Dec 04, 2023•34 min
Sometimes it's stories of failure that end up being the most inspiring. Failure is nothing less than an opportunity to learn something, an occasion to mature and grow. That's certainly how God used a career failure in Peter Thiessen's life, and God can use Peter's story to instruct us. In this episode we learn how to find the kind of work we are suited for, how to value enjoyment of our work more than the amount of money or significance it gives us, and we are reminded how important it is to hav...
Nov 27, 2023•39 min
It's one thing to say that God is enough; it's another thing to live it. This past summer we worked through Psalm 25 and its teaching about the will of God. Now it's time to hear one believer's personal story of questioning God's will when his life plan fell apart. Peter Thiessen joins us not to teach, but to tell. To tell a story of God's faithfulness in the midst of defeat. This is the kind of testimony we desperately need to hear today. Scriptures Referenced: Joh 17 Visit PracticologyPodcast....
Nov 20, 2023•38 min
Just in case you are thinking of getting some books for Christmas (and who wouldn't be?), we're bringing you our fourth instalment of Cloak, Books, and Parchments (2Tim 4:13). There is no book like the Bible but we all learn from the ministry of others, including ministry that comes to us in written form. Mike & Matthew share brief reviews of eight books for your reading pleasure.- Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age by Samuel James (Crossway)- Of No Reputation...
Nov 13, 2023•27 min
In part two of our discussion with Bible teacher and clinical counsellor, Stephen Vance, on the subject of the Christian's emotional health and the struggle with depression, we consider some aspects of preventative medicine and how to reframe our thinking towards joy. Scriptures Referenced: Lam 3:21; Prov 17:22; Php 4:8 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook
Nov 06, 2023•39 min
We are “frail children of dust" - and sometimes that physical frailty is manifested in our mental health. Depression is a real struggle for many Christians. Guest contributor Stephen Vance joins us for a wide-ranging, two-part discussion, from a Biblical as well as a professional clinical perspective, on the importance of our emotional health and how grief, stress, and anxiety can contribute to depression. Scriptures Referenced: 1Kin 19; Mk 12:30-31; 1Thess 5:23 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for...
Oct 30, 2023•38 min
As Christians, God's providence is at work in our lives to save us and preserve us. Far from scaring us, divine providence is meant to comfort us. Join us as we work through Romans 8:28-39 and learn how God's providence gives us a strong sense of security in the unbreakable love of God in Christ. Along the way, you'll also learn how to receive compliments, wait on God, and begin imitating his love for his Church. Scriptures Referenced:Rom 8:28-39; Rev 12:1; 1Joh 3:20; Rom 4:25; Heb 7:2; 1Pet 4:1...
Oct 23, 2023•28 min
In this episode, Thomas Seale gives us an excellent introduction to the doctrine of divine providence. Providence is God's purposeful sovereignty over everything including nature, the spirit world, nations, life and death, and even the human will. It's a doctrine that doesn't just change our perspective; it changes our lives. Scriptures Referenced: Ps 50:12; Dan 4:34-35; Eph 1:4-10; Prov 16:33; Col 1:17; Job 38-41; Amos 4:7-13; Mark 5:6-7; Deu 32:39; 1Sam 2:6; Job 14:5; Acts 17:26; Dan 4:17; Pro...
Oct 16, 2023•30 min
Bible prophecy can be an intimidating subject at times, but it does make up a significant chunk of the Scriptures, so it must be a worthwhile study. Without delving into the details of prophetic interpretation, guest host Nathan Pratt provides us with six good reasons that we should study Bible prophecy. At the very end, Matthew & Nathan discuss a few book ideas for people interested in literature to help them understand Bible prophecy. Scriptures Referenced: Rom 13:11-14; 2Cor 4:13-18; 1The...
Oct 09, 2023•32 min
We're all looking to get a sense of self and a sense of worth. In our culture, the typical way to do this is by looking inside of ourselves. But this is a road riddled with potholes. It can be confusing, overwhelming, and downright crushing. The gospel offers a different way of knowing who we are and what we're worth. Join us to hear how you can have a rock solid identity that isn't crushing! Scriptures Referenced: Gen 1; Gal 2:20 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practi...
Sep 25, 2023•30 min
How should a Christian approach dating? Obviously differently from what is common in the culture - the emotions of our brothers and sisters in Christ are too valuable to toy with. But what are you trying to gain from the dating process? What should you be trying to discern from your initial times spent with a prospective life partner? Distilling insight from Sam Andreades' book, Dating with Discernment, Justin Pratt joins Matthew for a helpful discussion around assessing compatability for marria...
Sep 18, 2023•34 min
It's back-to-school time here in Canada, and in this episode we want to encourage students everywhere to love God with their minds. Jesus Christ commandeers even our intellectual life for lofty service to him. Tune in to hear four practical ways you can love God with your mind this school year. Scriptures Referenced: Mark 12:29-30; Deu 6:4; Luk 16:13-14; Job 22:12; Col 3:17 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter and Facebook
Sep 11, 2023•30 min
"There are no safe paths in this part of the world," said Gandalf to Bilbo... and he was right. Life is often hard. So how is God's will operating in my life when I am in a hard place, a place of affliction and distress like David? And what if that hard place I find myself in is partly my own making? Find out in this final instalment of Mike & Matthew taking us through Psalm 25. Scriptures Referenced:Psa 25; Rom 8:28-29; Col 1:9-28; 1Pet 3:17 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.F...
Sep 04, 2023•28 min
In this third episode on Psalm 25, Mike opens up a can of worms, contrasting what he calls the blindfold view of the will of God with the guidebook view. Which view do you think is more biblical? Scriptures Referenced: Psa 25; Rom 3:7, 6:1; Isa 26:7-8; 1Th 4:3, 5:18; 1Pet 2:15Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast
Aug 28, 2023•32 min
What happens if we have failed to follow God's will in the past? Are we condemned to wander the spiritual wastelands for the rest of our days? No, not when our God is the God of faithful love, who "shows sinners the way." Psalm 25 teaches us that failure is not final with God, that it is the character of God to lead his people, and that a humble heart will once again experience the guidance of God. Scriptures Referenced:Psa 25; Isa 50:4-5; Isa 66:2 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes...
Aug 21, 2023•23 min
What's the most important thing in finding out God's will for your life: mastering the right technique, or learning your personality profile? OK, so you're right. It's neither of them. But then what is the most important thing? Tune in to find out. Scriptures Referenced: Psa 25; Psa 23; Eph 4:32-5:2 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast
Aug 14, 2023•21 min
Is it too late to secure another book for your Summer reading list? Of course not! There is no book like the Bible but we all learn from the ministry of others, including ministry that comes to us in written form. In this third installment of Cloak, Books, and Parchments (2Tim 4:13), Mike & Matthew share brief reviews of six book titles for your reading pleasure. Six books in less than 17 minutes. Scriptures Referenced: 2Tim 4:13 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Pra...
Aug 07, 2023•17 min
This year's August summer challenge heads back into the Psalms! Psalm 25 is a beautiful prayer that teaches us to bank on God's willingness to lead sinful people into his paths. Want help in figuring out God's will for your life? Then join us in memorizing this amazing psalm. For more info about when to start and what prizes there will be for completing, tune in to this brief episode, and watch the website for a schedule. Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 25 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more epi...
Jul 31, 2023•6 min
[This episode touches on some sensitive subjects and may not be appropriate for younger listeners.] Secular culture feeds us so many lies, and one of its biggest areas of deception and confusion today is that of sex. On the one hand, the culture seems obsessed with the human body. Yet at the same time, they talk as if what we do with our bodies doesn't really matter. As a result, the culture cheapens sex. The gospel gives us a deeper and more meaningful view of the body - and consequentially, a ...
Jul 17, 2023•21 min
The imagination gets a bad rap sometimes in the church. As if it's something to be treated with suspicion. But the truth is that the imagination is a God-given faculty that is crucial in the realms of daily life, science, and faithful Bible reading. In this episode we hear a biblical defense of using our imagination, and Mike and Matthew demonstrate how it enriches our time in God's Word when we use it to that end. Watching The Chosen is not the only way for the Bible to come alive! Scriptures R...
Jul 10, 2023•21 min
We all love to be insiders - to have special access and privileges. That's exactly what God does for every believer in the Lord Jesus. Of all the gospel blessings God gives us in Christ, the highest one is likely this - he adopts us as his sons. Are you enjoying your VIP status in God's family? Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast
Jun 26, 2023•19 min
Even though sin and temptation often get the better of us, we don't need to succumb to a defeatist attitude and give up. In this episode, the Apostle John teaches us to adopt a humble, optimistic, can-do attitude in the battle against sin. By faith, you can do this! This is the final episode in a mini-series on overcoming sin in our lives. See also episodes 116 and 118. Scriptures Referenced: 1 John 5:1-5 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter ...
Jun 19, 2023•17 min
C.S. Lewis said, "Joy is the serious business of Heaven." And when Jesus Christ turns water into wine at a wedding banquet, he is showing us he isn't a killjoy - he is the one that satisfies our innate thirst for joy. Scriptures Referenced: John 2:1-11 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast
Jun 05, 2023•14 min
Contemporary culture thinks that obeying God is oppressive. But the truth is that obeying God's commands is liberating. The way we become our true selves is by denying the sinful desires inside us and by obeying God's Word instead. This is the second episode in a mini-series on overcoming sin in our lives. Scriptures Referenced: 1 John 5:1-15 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast
May 29, 2023•17 min
