1010 Thrive

uilding on the previous message about spiritual rebirth, this episode centers on the spiritual practice that sustains and enlivens our new life in Christ: prayer. Through the life of Jesus, we see that prayer was not a side practice or occasional discipline—it was essential. Whether choosing the apostles, performing miracles, or facing agony in Gethsemane, Jesus consistently turned to the Father i...

In today’s episode, we shift from the communal nature of the Church to the deeply personal question: How does one become a part of the body of Christ? Drawing from the intimate conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3, we encounter the foundational truth that entry into God’s kingdom requires being “born again.” This spiritual rebirth isn’t about self-improvement or religious effort—it’s...

In a new chapter of the 10:10 with Jesus series, we move from the deeply personal promise of Emmanuel—God with us to a broader, communal truth: God is not just with individuals, but with the Church. Jesus’ incarnation showed us divine presence through solidarity with the suffering and marginalized, and that same presence is now meant to be visible through the Church. But in today’s world, marked b...

Emmanuel , or "God with us," is the central and enduring truth of the Christian faith, going far beyond a mere Christmas doctrine. This divine presence is a sacred gift, one that God has demonstrated throughout history—from walking with Adam and Eve in Eden to traveling with Israel in the wilderness. However, this longing for connection took on flesh and bone in Jesus, who was God Himself "moving...

In today’s episode, we explore the difficult truth of why modern Christian values often stand in opposition to what Jesus actually taught, concluding our “Ripped from the Headlines” chapter in our series, “10:10 with Jesus. A Deeper Look.” This gap exists because Jesus's teachings directly challenge systems that benefit many Christians, particularly those with wealth and power. People respond to t...

In this episode, we explore the historical and cultural reasons why a significant gap exists between what Jesus taught and what many of his followers practice today. We highlight the stark contrast between Jesus's teachings on loving enemies, welcoming strangers, and nonviolence, and the sentiments often expressed by those who claim to represent “Christian values,” such as building walls and prior...

Over the centuries, countless atrocities have been committed in Jesus' name—holy wars, inquisitions, slavery, witch hunts, colonization, and antisemitism—often by Christians who believed they were upholding righteousness. These acts stand in stark contrast to the teachings and example of Jesus, who chose peace over violence, mercy over judgment, and love over power. From his own words and actions,...

Today’s episode wrestles with Jesus’ teachings on violence and how they apply to today’s pressing issues like gun control, terrorism, and policing. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commanded His followers to love their enemies and turn the other cheek, breaking cycles of retaliation. He called peacemakers “children of God,” showing that His way was not about ignoring evil but overcoming it throug...

The Second Amendment is often celebrated in America as a cornerstone of freedom: “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Many Christians strongly support it, believing it protects God-given rights and safeguards liberty. But history tells a more complicated story. The Amendment was written not only to prevent tyranny but also to preserve slave patrols in the South....

This episode explores Jesus's healing ministry and how it informs our approach to modern healthcare, mental health crises, and medical technology. The host highlights that Jesus's healings were not just about fixing physical ailments but about restoring the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This is shown in the story of the paralyzed man, whom Jesus first forgave before healing, demonstrating t...

As we continue to discuss “Truth in the Age of Information,” (in our “Ripped from the Headlines” chapter of “10:10 with Jesus - A Deeper Look”) we explore how Jesus's life and teachings provide a framework for navigating modern-day debates about education, history, and community. The episode first examines the tension between parental authority and educational independence through the story of twe...

In this episode of the 10:10 Thrive Podcast, we begin a new series exploring how Jesus would navigate our modern information age. We establish that Jesus faced similar challenges in his own time, living under a system where powerful elites controlled the flow of information and spread propaganda. The host points out that the Pharisees, for example, spread "fake news" about Jesus, but his message s...

In Part 2 of “The Politics of Love,” we dive deeper into Jesus's views on contemporary political issues, applying his teachings to topics like affirmative action, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and wealth distribution. The episode argues that Jesus's parable of the workers in the vineyard suggests God's justice is not about identical treatment but about generous treatment, particular...

In this episode of the 10:10 Thrive Podcast, we explore the inherently political nature of Jesus’s life and ministry, challenging the modern notion that faith and politics should be kept separate. We begin by examining Jesus's cleansing of the temple, an act of righteous anger against a system that exploited the poor, which demonstrates that Jesus was not politically neutral. The episode, however,...

The word “woke” sparks strong reactions in our world today. For some, it means being aware of injustice and committed to change. For others, it has become a divisive label tied to politics and culture wars. But the deeper question for Christians is this: Was Jesus “woke”? And if not in the modern sense, how did His teaching and life reflect an alertness to truth, justice, and compassion?   In this...

Few issues are as painful and polarizing as abortion and reproductive rights. The debates stir deep convictions about freedom, life, and justice. As followers of Jesus, we ask: What does He teach us about life, dignity, and compassion in this conversation? While Jesus never spoke directly about abortion, His life and ministry reveal principles that guide us: the sacredness of life, the dignity of...

We live in a world where conversations about rights and freedom are everywhere. People debate freedom of speech, the right to privacy, and the authority of governments. These discussions raise profound questions: What guidance does Jesus give us about rights and freedom? Are all rights the same? How should we view government authority as His followers? In this episode of 10:10 Thrive , we explore...

In the world of Jesus’ time, women were often excluded from religious learning, dismissed in public life, and restricted in influence. Yet, when we look at the Gospels, Jesus consistently affirms the dignity, voice, and leadership of women in ways that were radical for His culture. He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, commended Mary for sitting at His feet as a disciple, healed women wit...

Our world is groaning under the weight of environmental crisis—pollution, deforestation, climate change, and the destruction of ecosystems. As followers of Jesus, we must ask: Does God care about how we treat the environment? In this episode of 10:10 Thrive , we turn to the Scriptures and the life of Jesus to see how creation care is not a side issue but a core part of discipleship.   Jesus often...

Income inequality and poverty are realities that have marked human history. From the ancient world to our modern societies, the gap between rich and poor raises questions of justice, fairness, and faith. Many people wonder: is material wealth a sign of God’s blessing? Does poverty mean a lack of His favor? In this episode of 10:10 Thrive, we turn to Jesus’ words and actions to find His radical gui...

Racism and prejudice are not new; they are as old as humanity itself. People have always found reasons to divide, exclude, and mistreat one another based on race, culture, class, or tribe. In this episode of 10:10 Thrive , we explore how Jesus consistently confronted prejudice and revealed that His kingdom is radically inclusive. From His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well to His pa...

Jesus’ teaching on homelessness is deeply personal because He Himself lived without a permanent home during His ministry. In Luke 9:58, He reminds us that “the Son of Man has no place to lay His head,” showing His solidarity with those who lack shelter and security. His parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25 teaches that serving the homeless—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming...

Jesus’ guidance on immigration is rooted not in politics or policy but in His life, teachings, and mission. From His own experience as a refugee in Egypt to His parables about welcoming the stranger, He consistently reveals God’s heart for the outsider. In Matthew 25, Jesus makes clear that the way we treat strangers is the way we treat Him, and the parable of the Good Samaritan expands the defini...

War has been part of human history since the beginning, and it still shapes the headlines and our hearts today. But how should followers of Jesus think about war? In this episode of 10:10 Thrive , we turn to Jesus’ words and actions to find His radical guidance. From His declaration before Pilate that His kingdom is “not of this world” to His command to Peter to put away the sword, Jesus reveals t...

We begin today’s episode by examining Jesus' bold claim to be "the way, the truth, and the life," asserting that He is the living road to God the Father. This idea is then illustrated through the book of Acts, where the early Church, referred to as "the Way," actively demonstrates that a path to God is open to all people—Jew and Gentile alike. The episode emphasizes that Jesus is not just a distan...