Become New with John Ortberg

Did you enjoy this teaching on Forgiveness? Download the free print and go study guide to experience the journey in its fullness: becomenew.com/study-guides Is reconciliation really possible… after betrayal? In one of the most powerful stories in the Bible, we see the answer: yes—but it’s complicated. In today’s teaching, we walk through the story of Joseph and his brothers—a story filled with jea...

What is forgiveness… really? And what if most of us have been getting it wrong? In today’s teaching, we define forgiveness in a clear and powerful way: replacing ill will with goodwill. But that raises big questions—Does forgiveness excuse wrongdoing? Does it ignore justice? Should we forgive everything? Drawing from Scripture, real-world examples, and the work of Everett Worthington, this message...

Most of us think unforgiveness is something we choose. But what if it’s actually something that slowly grows inside of us… without us even realizing it? In today’s teaching, we explore the road to NOT forgiving—how small hurts turn into resentment, how rumination fuels bitterness, and how unforgiveness quietly takes hold of your heart. Drawing from Scripture, personal reflection, and the research...

What does it take to forgive the unforgivable? In this powerful conversation, Everett Worthington shares his personal story of facing unimaginable loss—and the journey toward forgiveness that followed. Blending deep emotional honesty with practical wisdom, this teaching explores the darkness of the human heart, the reality of anger and rage, and the surprising path that leads to healing. You’ll di...

Forgiveness sounds simple… until you actually have to do it. In today’s teaching, we begin a powerful journey into forgiveness—not as a vague idea, but as a real, practical process that leads to healing and freedom. Because the truth is: we all carry wounds… and we all need to forgive. Drawing from Scripture, the teachings of Everett Worthington, and real-life experience, this message introduces a...

Did you enjoy this teaching? We have a free study guide on this entire series if you'd like to walk through it with a friend or small group! Just download, print and go! Get it here... Becomenew.com/study-guides Submission. Just hearing that word can feel… uncomfortable. In a culture that prizes independence, autonomy, and “doing life your way,” the idea of submitting to someone else can soun...

What if the thing you most want to hide… is the very thing keeping you stuck? In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful (and often avoided) spiritual practice of confession—the act of telling the truth about your life to God and to a trusted person. It may feel uncomfortable, even painful, but it might also be the key to real freedom. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of Dallas Willard, and in...

What if worship isn’t just something you do at church… but something that could transform your entire life? In today’s teaching, we explore the true meaning of worship—not as music or a moment, but as a way of seeing and responding to the goodness, beauty, and greatness of God in everyday life. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of Dallas Willard, and even the simple joy of things like coffee and...

What if the reason you feel anxious, exhausted, or constantly “on”… is because you’re living for other people’s approval? In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful and often overlooked spiritual discipline of secrecy—doing good without anyone knowing. It sounds simple… but it might be one of the hardest things you’ll ever try. Drawing from the teachings of Dallas Willard and the words of Jesus...

Silence might be the most uncomfortable… and most transformative… practice in your life. In a world filled with constant noise, distraction, and the pressure to always say something, the discipline of silence feels almost impossible. But what if silence is actually the doorway to peace, trust, and deeper connection with God? In this teaching, we explore why silence matters, how it reshapes your in...

Enjoying these teachings on CHARACTER? Get the Free Study Guide: BecomeNew.com/study-guides - Download, print, and go! Is life actually fair? It’s a question we all wrestle with—at home, at work, in culture, and deep in our own stories. But what if fairness isn’t just something we demand… what if it’s something we’re called to become? In today’s teaching, we explore the biblical vision of fairness...

Why is self-control so hard? You’re not alone. Research shows that among all character strengths, self-control ranks dead last in how people rate themselves. But what if the problem isn’t just your willpower… what if it’s how you’re using it? In this teaching, we explore the deeper truth behind self-control—why willpower gets depleted, how habits shape your life, and why “white-knuckling it” isn’t...

Most of us think we’re pretty good at reading people. Research says… we’re not. In today’s teaching, we explore the powerful and often overlooked skill of social intelligence, the ability to understand your own emotions and accurately read what’s happening in others.  From facial expressions to tone of voice to body language, this skill shapes every relationship you have. Through biblical insight...

Life doesn’t always give you the path you would choose... There’s a race set before you, shaped by your circumstances, your story, and the challenges you didn’t ask for. The question isn’t whether you chose it… the question is: will you run it with perseverance? In this powerful teaching, we explore what it really means to persevere—not just through willpower, but through purpose. Drawing from Scr...

What if the key to real character growth isn’t fixing your weaknesses… but fully living into your strengths? In today’s teaching, Dr. John Ortberg explores the idea of signature character strengths — those unique qualities God has wired into you that, when used intentionally, can transform your life and the lives of others. Drawing from research in positive psychology and the example of Barnabas,...

Tell us what you thought of NO CONDEMNATION: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYQZHPD Here's what's coming up... 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 - We have a new phone number! 51504 If you subscribe to our texts you'll start hearing from us at 51504 soon - FormationPodcast.com launches April 22nd We will continue with the daily 10 minute teachings here - Formation Newsletter and Podcast are a new offerin...

Take the No Condemnation Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYQZHPD What if the biggest problem was never “them”… but what happens in us? In this final episode of the No Condemnation series, John brings us to a powerful turning point in Romans 1–2. Paul builds a case against “them” — their sin, their failure, their corruption — until the reader is fully on board. And then he turns it: “You, th...

What makes the cross of Jesus different from every other story of sacrifice? In this episode, John explores the idea of scapegoating through the work of René Girard and how human societies have always dealt with conflict the same way: by finding someone to blame.  We find ourselves at the cross. The cross of Jesus changes everything. For the first time, the scapegoat is truly innocent and instead...

Why doesn’t shaming actually work? In this episode, Dr. John Ortberg explores two powerful reasons why condemnation and public shaming often backfire and what they do to both the person being judged and the one doing the judging. Drawing from The Scarlet Letter, John shows: - why we never truly know someone else’s story - how shame distorts both identity and relationships - why condemnation corrod...

What if the biggest problem isn’t “out there”… but is actually within? In this episode, John speaks directly to a familiar figure, “Uncle Billy," the person whose words are harsh, sarcastic, and condemning. Everyone knows an "Uncle Billy." But then he turns the question back on each one of us. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and the words of Jesus, John explores: - why condemnation often d...

We’re living in a culture of division.  So how do you follow Jesus…when you deeply disagree with someone? In this conversation, John Ortberg sits down with Condoleezza Rice to explore how faith shapes the way we navigate politics, disagreement, and relationships. Together, they unpack: - Why it’s so hard to love your “opponents” - How to disagree without losing respect - The role of humility, curi...

Why did Jesus have to die? What's the deal with sacrifice? Couldn’t God just… forgive? In this Good Friday teaching, Dr. John Ortberg walks through the deeper meaning of the cross. A story that reveals: We all need help The real problem isn’t “out there”… it’s in us And the power of evil is not defeated by force…but by self-giving love On the cross, Jesus didn’t just suffer. He absorbed evil...

Not all condemnation is loud. Some of it is… sneaky. In this episode, John Ortberg walks through 10 passive-aggressive habits that quietly damage relationships—things like eye rolls, silence, sarcasm, and “I’m fine.” The twist? Jesus never used them. He was direct. Honest. Clear. And still… full of love. Because you can avoid conflict…and still be full of condemnation. So today, pay attention: Whe...

Most people don’t struggle with telling the truth…they struggle with how they say it. In this episode, John and Nancy Ortberg unpack what it really means to: “Speak the truth in love.” Through two powerful real-life stories, they show how condemnation quietly grows: - behind people’s backs - inside groups - and in our own hearts And how it can be replaced with something better: - honesty without a...

Shamed people… shame people. So what do you do with the shame you carry? In this episode, John Ortberg shows how Jesus faced shame—and refused to let it define him. From rejection and ridicule to the cross itself, Jesus endured it all…but scorned the shame. And that changes everything for us. Because shame says:“You’re not enough.”“You don’t belong.”“You are what went wrong.” But Jesus tells a dif...