Daily Thunder Podcast

A child often doesn’t see the great sacrifice of a parent. In fact, they more often than not, take their parent's care and attentions for granted and even grumble and whine with complaint when the parent falls short of perfection. It’s unfortunate, but few wake up from this childish slumber and actually see the magnificence of parental sacrifice. Of course, in a much bigger and eter...

In this week between series, Eric and Nathan sit down at their new round table to discuss the three new series that launch next week. Hear them talk about the series, the new round table, and how Eric is excited to kick Nathan under the table.

God is always the same … and that is a very good thing. In this final episode of the Life Lessons series, Eric and Nathan discuss God’s primary attribute: His constancy and “always” nature. Because God never changes, we can put our full trust, hope, and faith in Him—this truth becomes a bedrock for the soul and radically changes how we live.

The goal of discipleship and spiritual growth is full maturity and conformity to Christ—to be Christlike and walk in godliness and holiness in everything we think, say, and do. While this is an impossible standard to live in our own abilities, it IS possible through the empowerment of God’s Spirit within us. As believers, we are called to continually and intentionally live in the Living Word (Jesu...

In this twelfth and final episode in Eric’s series on Teddy Roosevelt, he unpacks the moving story of Roosevelt’s and Taft’s providential encounter in the Blackstone Hotel in 1918. There is a Blackstone Hotel in each of our lives—the question is whether or not we choose to capitalize upon it.

Christians never graduate from the basic foundations of the faith … and as such, we need to exhort our souls and preach truth to ourselves. In this life lesson, Eric and Nathan discuss why preaching to your own soul is important for the days in which we live, and give a couple of examples for how to do so.

Christians are called to abide and abound in Christ … but what does it mean to practically abide in Christ and how do we do it? In this study, Nathan not only examines what Scripture says about abiding and the evidence that you are abiding in Christ, but he also gives three practical ways to deepen your abiding relationship with Jesus right now.

In this eleventh episode in Eric’s series on Teddy Roosevelt, he shares the anatomy of the breakup of two wonderful friends. How can two men (Roosevelt and Taft) that have shared so much ideologically in common and have loved and cherished one another’s friendship for so long, suddenly let it all go? The same question can be asked of the Church today. When two are intended to walk together, it is...

In one of the world’s greatest pieces of art, Michelangelo’s statue of David, we discover a spiritual truth that is relevant to us all. In this life lesson, Eric and Nathan discuss God’s delight in taking weak, unimpressive vessels and turning them into masterpieces. Throughout the conversation, they specifically talk about prayer and how we need God’s enabling grace and power to do the work, to p...

While most Christians skim the surface of Scripture, we should strive to live within it. This should not an occasional visit, but a lifelong pursuit of knowing our God, to continually dwell in His presence and Word. In this study, Nathan talks about “saturation” and why it’s vital to our reading and study of Scripture. As believers, we must not merely dip our toes into God’s Word, we need to plung...

In this tenth episode in Eric’s series on Teddy Roosevelt, he zooms in close on Roosevelt's world-altering friendship with William Howard Taft. This one friendship made Teddy great and, likewise, made Taft a man for the ages. There is a great power in collaboration. And God designed this fantastic power to be realized in the function of His Church the world over.

In the greatest demonstration of humility, God became man; the highest became low. In this life lesson, Eric and Nathan talk about one of the chief characteristics of a Christian: humility. As they remind us, though our culture balks at its importance, the Kingdom of God is built on its foundation. If you are interested in joining Eric, Nathan, and the Ellerslie team for a season of discipleship,...

Reading and studying Scripture is an incredible privilege, not just because it’s God’s Word, but because we get to study with the Author Himself. If we are going to have “life in the Word,” we must not only abide in the Bible, we must live (and study) in light of the Author dwelling within us. In this message, Nathan explores the concept of abiding in the Word of God and what it means for the Auth...

In this ninth episode in Eric’s series on Teddy Roosevelt, he unpacks Teddy's unexpected and remarkable response to WW1. As an older man Roosevelt petitioned Woodrow Wilson (the President of the United States at the time) to allow him to go over to Europe and actually enter into the combat—offering all of us as believers an amazing picture of being always ready to fight the good fight. How many of...

In this life lesson, Eric and Nathan discuss one of their favorite concepts: leaping for joy. Regardless of circumstance or situation, we are called to choose joy and live empowered by the Holy Spirit. Not only do they describe joy, but they also discuss where it is found, how to live in it continually, and beginnings steps to live a life of “rejoicing always.” They also talk about Ellerslie schol...

The entire Bible is a declaration of the Person and work of Jesus Christ; every page of Scripture points to the Author and His finished work upon the Cross. And we need a fresh revelation of Jesus from the Word. In this study, Nathan examines Luke 24 and how Jesus opened the Scriptures to two of His disciples, giving them “spiritual heartburn.” He not only talks about Jesus being the focus and ful...

In this eighth episode in Eric’s series on Teddy Roosevelt, he explores the indomitable boyish fervor stowed inside this amazing man. At the age of fifty-three Teddy was not done with his adventures, in fact, he set off on the most dramatic and dangerous adventure of his life. He departed for a journey in the South American Amazon jungle to explore the River of Doubt. Many of us age out of adventu...

In this life lesson, Eric and Nathan talk about how Christianity is an upside down kingdom and how this, though completely counter to the world, is actually a really good thing. They summarize this concept with the biblical term “gentleness”—the opposite spirit. As they talk about this incredible truth, they unpack how we as believers can practically walk in God’s upside down kingdom. Eric and Nat...

As believers, we know we should read and study Scripture … but why? While we may come to the Bible for a variety of reasons, there must be two primary motivating reasons for spending time in God’s Word. In this study, Nathan Johnson discusses the “why” of spending time in Scripture and reminds us that it should be a delight, not a duty; a “get to!” not a “have to.”

In this seventh episode in Eric’s series on Teddy Roosevelt, he discusses one of the most amazing events in this man’s extraordinary life. It was the time Teddy was shot in the chest. If you have never heard this story, it is worth a listen. And even if you have heard this story before, a fresh listen would probably do you good. Teddy’s response to being shot is an incredible picture of the Christ...

As we talked about in the last life lesson, God is Jehovah Jireh, the God of provision. In this life lesson, Eric and Nathan take the concept even further and talk about the puddle principle and how we can trust and depend upon God’s supply even if all we see is a tiny puddle. As they remind us, God has an endless aquifer of grace available to every believer. Eric and Nathan also talk about Ellers...

God is speaking! He is not silent. The question throughout Scripture is not “does God speak?” but rather, “am I listening and obeying?” If we desire to have life in Christ, we must know, hear, and obey His voice. In this study, we examine the voice of God throughout Scripture, discover God’s primary means of communicating to us, and discuss what it means to stand naked before the Word so we can re...

In this sixth episode in Eric’s series on Teddy Roosevelt, he explores the necessity of calm and confidence in the toolbox of the great leader. When all is falling to pieces, it is essential that the leader holds it together. Teddy Roosevelt is one of history’s great pictures of composure amidst the bomb blasts. Teddy seemed to inexplicably grow ten feet taller in the day of crisis.

There is a stunning story from the pilgrims as they came to America that shows the providence and provision of our God. In this life lesson, Eric and Nathan use this story to illustrate a profound truth they have discovered in their lives—God is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides.

In ballroom dance, the woman responds to the lead of the man. In the Christian life, the believer depends upon and responds to the lead of Christ. Jesus used the analogy of a vine and branch—and as Christians, we are called to a life of absolute surrender, total dependence, and continual abiding in the Vine, Jesus. In this study, we examine a life that is beyond “WWJD” and discover what it means t...