Things Above

God’s love is revealed in beauty. Because of that, beauty is a large part of our spiritual journey. In episode 11 of Things Above, James Bryan Smith invites you to rethink how you understand beauty. Drawing from the wisdom of people like Thomas Aquinas, Hans Urs von Balthasar, John O’Donohue and Simone Weil, we discover that beauty has the power to transport us to love. O’Donohue writes, “In order...

In episode 10 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith interviews pastor and author John Ortberg about his latest book, “Eternity is Now in Session.” In addition to recalling a humorous story of their first speaking engagement together in 1988, Jim and John discuss the impact that Dallas Willard’s writings and personal friendship had on each of their lives. In particular, they agree on Dalla...

God is real. And God’s love for us is also real. But how do we really know God loves us? In Episode 09 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith tells us the only thing that is credible is love. Our faith is not built on an argument or logic, but by what God, in Jesus Christ, has done for us – namely the incarnation (in which he came to be with us) and the cross (in which he reconciled humani...

The incarnation of God is both a mysterious and wondrous event to ponder. In Episode 08 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith gives thought to Jesus Christ, who was fully divine and fully human. Have you ever noticed how little was written about Jesus’s childhood in Scripture? What was normal life like for Jesus growing up? What do you think Jesus was like as a kid? Christian music artist...

By setting our minds on things above, we can live a Godward life and, as the Apostle Paul says, walk in the Spirit. This is a powerful way of living. If someone were to ask you about a passage in Scripture that offers the best depiction of life in the kingdom, what would you say? In Episode 07 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith slowly walks us through the 23rd Psalm, reveals what he be...

Every one of us has experienced “hope” of some kind. We hope to marry the right person. We hope our kids live long and healthy lives. We hope our favorite baseball team wins the World Series. Yet there is a big difference between worldly hope and Christian hope. Hope is not wishful thinking about the future. Hope is certainty in a good future. In Episode 06 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan...

In our very first Things Above Conversation, James Bryan Smith interviews Emily P. Freeman about finding God in our everyday lives and the nearness of the kingdom.

In our fourth episode, James Bryan Smith explains how eternal life does not begin after you die. It begins in this life and it includes an interactive relationship with God.

The finality of the cross is only half the story. In this episode, James Bryan Smith shares the rest of the story, which includes the secret to overcoming sin. That is, the power of the resurrected Christ in us and through us.

In this episode, James Bryan Smith discusses how false narratives of sin and salvation damage our spiritual lives and how to change those narratives through the lens of the cross. Related episodes: 1. Wired for Worship 2. Source of Life 3. The Gift of Pain 4. Moved to Pray 5. Practicing Patience The post Finality of the Cross appeared first on Apprentice Institute .

Welcome to episode 01 of the “Things Above” podcast. In this episode, James Bryan Smith states that we are one in whom Christ dwells and delights. He unpacks this “power narrative” by connecting it to our value as a result of Christ dwelling in us. Related episodes: 1. Second Birth 2. Things Above Conversation with J.R. Briggs 3. Worry 4. Be Mindful 5. God’s Beloved The pos...

Welcome to the pilot episode of the “Things Above” podcast hosted by James Bryan Smith! This is a podcast for “mind discipleship.” It is for those who want to set their minds on “things above” (Col. 3:2).   Each week James Bryan Smith will offer a glorious thought—something good and beautiful and true, something excellent and praiseworthy—to fill your mind with...