Joy & Java

Kristin and Brian unpack chapter 5 of Esther as she sets the table for a couple banquets for the king and Haman (boo!). In doing so, the stage is set for a request that could save her people or doom her to death.

Join Kristin and Brian for an intriguing and encouraging discussion around Esther 4.

Brian and Kristin discuss this very interesting and minimal (from a descriptive point of view) passage from Genesis and the Jacob story. This encounter with God is unique and we can pull so much from this story that is encouraging and helpful for our lives today. We have God who is patient and meets us right in the middle of our mess to say, "I am still here. I am still working."

Brian and Kristin are back in the Zoom room to talk about what's been happening at Pursuit and continue their study in Genesis!

Brian and Kristin dive into Genesis 20 this week with insights, thoughts, and encouraging words about humanity's sin, how God uses imperfect and deeply flawed people, and God's immense grace and faithfulness. God is the ultimate keeper of promises, and we see that played out (again!) in this portion of the Abraham narrative. To give to the work of Pursuit Friends and to help them keep producing th...

Kristin and Brian dive deep into Genesis 19's Sodom and Gomorrah saga. This troubling and confusing passage of Scripture has been used as ammunition for several theological issues about God and his character. The pastors do their best to share what's going on and help us discover this passage's deeper and wider meaning without the foggy lenses of our Western eyes.

This is an incredible portion of the Abraham narrative in Genesis, and it would be easy to skip through it quickly into chapter 19. However, Pastors Brian and Kristin take some time to study these verses and unpack what is really going on in Abraham's and God's hearts.

Pastors Brian, Kristin, and Erin discuss Genesis 18:1-15 as they continue their discussion through the book of Genesis. Three visitors enter Abraham's camp and he offers them hospitality. He recognizes the Lord as one of the men, and Sarah overhears their conversation. The conversation then shifts towards Sarah and the Lord encourages her and reaffirms the promise that she will, herself, bear a ch...

Pastors Brian and Kristin are joined by Pastor Erin Richer to discuss the covenant and circumcision as a sign of the covenant. This passage is also when God declares that he is Abraham's God and that He has chosen Abraham's people to be a part of the promise! Don't miss this important episode of Joy and Java!

Hagar and Ishmael are more important to the Genesis narrative than we often give them credit for. Let alone the historical and continuing impact of their legacy. Kristin and Brian discuss how God sees the outcast and powerless and responds with kindness, love, and even blessing! Don't miss this important part of the story!

God takes Abram under the starry night sky and makes a stunning promise. Abram believes. But there is so much more here for Pastors Brian and Kristin to unpack! Join them as they discuss this important and pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. Give to the ministry of Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches: https://pursuitfriends.org/give/

Part 2 of Kristin and Brian's discussion around learning to listen to the voice of God. This is a powerful conversation that will teach you how to deepen your connection and relationship with God. For more information on this topic: https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-kkrk3-1684cafc Additional resource: https://youtu.be/pjKHHdui1OU?feature=shared Give to the ministry of Pursuit Friends Church: http...

Kristin and Brian discuss what it means to truly listen to what God may be trying to show you through the life and teachings of Jesus, the Scriptures, and even your circumstances. Much of our inspiration and material comes from this resource from Practicing the Way: https://youtu.be/pjKHHdui1OU?feature=shared

Pastor Kristin Aull recently gave an encouraging message at our last Family Reunion gathering and we wanted to share that with more people. Listen as she describes what it can be like to hear from God as we are living everyday life as a community. We hope this message will challenge you to re-evaluate how you think God speaks to you and that it opens you up to a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Kristin and Brian unpack Genesis 13 and the parting of Abram and Lot. Sometimes the path seems clear and sometimes we just don't know what to do. The amazing thing is that God always seems to work it out if we keep pursuing His will, even if we get it wrong from time to time.

Brian and Kristin discuss the perplexing passage of Genesis 12:10-20 where Abram asks his wife, Sarai, to lie about being his wife before they enter into Egypt. He and his family have moved into "The Promised Land" and they experience an incredible famine that forces them to head to Egypt where there is food. We're shaking our heads over here and diving deeper into a story that has m...

The call of Abram by God is about more than simply establishing Israel as God's chosen people. It's actually about continuing His plan to bless the entire Earth, and to give as many people as possible the opportunity to be a part of it. This is an amazing thing! Pastor Kristin and Pastor Brian discuss the significance of this part of God's story in this week's insightful and uplift...

The Tower of Babel is a very short story in the grand scheme of things in Genesis, but it's importance should not be overlooked. It also offers way more insight into the heart and plans of God for the earth than a casual reading reveals. Pastor Brian and Pastor Kristin unpack this often misunderstood portion of Scripture in a discussion that will challenge and encourage your faith in surprisin...

Pastor Kristin and Pastor Brian wrap up the flood story from Genesis this week! There is much more to this story than you might expect, so grab a cup of coffee, your Bible and join them for a fun nd intriguing conversation in this week's episode of Joy & Java!

Brian and Kristin are back in the recording studio to talk about the flood as described in Genesis. They talk briefly about the genealogy listed in chapter 5 and then dive into chapter 6. This is an interesting and encouraging conversation that you do not want to miss!

Brian and Kristin discuss the intriguing chapter four from the book of Genesis. Cain gets jealous of Abel and that jealousy leads to anger, which leads to the first recorded murder in the Bible. Even in this dark chapter we can see the goodness of God played out. We hope you are encouraged by listening to this week's discussion!

This week Brian and Kristin talk about Genesis 3 and the sin event that triggered the entrance of evil into the world. Adam and Eve make a terrible decision that costs them intimacy with God and brings about expulsion from the garden. But the story isn't over because God's goodness is still evident even in this situation.

Kristin and Brian discuss the creation of human life this week and the implications for us as we relate to God as the Creator, the Potter, and the ultimate Gardener. God creates the universe, creates the earth, and then plants a garden. He gives the garden to Adam to live in, to steward, and to enjoy! Then he sees that Adam needs an "Ezer" or "helper." But don't get too exc...

Brian and Kristin unpack the rest of Genesis 1 with their discussion around what it means to bear the image of God and the importance of rest as we seek to live out the goodness of God in our daily lives.

Welcome to a brand new season of Joy and Java! Brian and Kristin are ready to jump into a new season and a new focus of study as Pursuit Friends Network of House Churches is beginning a study in the book of Genesis!