Deeper Christian Podcast

Ruth is one of my favorite Old Testament books in the Bible. Though small and unassuming, it not only parallels our own Christian journey from darkness and sin to light and salvation, but it also has incredible depth that helps our spiritual growth as believers. While many think of the book of Ruth as merely a love story (between Ruth and Boaz), the book actually is an incredible foreshadowing of...

Are you feeling stuck in your spiritual life? Is there a secret sin you just can’t seem to gain victory over? There is great hope. In this episode, Nathan talks about two of the most powerful words in the New Testament and how “But God…” radically changes our lives, is the solution to a besetting sin, and is the key which unlocks freedom, life, victory, and greater spiritual growth in our lives. W...

Many Christians read the Bible slowly, one chapter or a few verses at a time—but there are tremendous benefits to reading Scripture through quickly. In this video, Nathan Johnson explains three important reasons every believer should consider reading through the Bible in 60, 90, or 120 days. Reading the Bible at a faster pace can help you see the grand storyline of Scripture, understand how the wh...

Many Christians say Jesus is the center of their lives, but what if He's not actually at the center of the center? In this episode, we examine what it truly means for Christ to be all and have first place in everything according to Colossians 1:18 and Colossians 3:4-11, and why so many believers unknowingly substitute legalism, religious duty, or fear for genuine Christ-centered living. Drawing fr...

What can the book of Jonah teach us about God’s mercy, our resistance to obedience, and the transforming power of repentance? In this episode, Nathan Johnson shares three key lessons and fresh insights drawn from his in-depth study of Jonah. Discover how this little (and funny) Old Testament book reveals the humor of God, the stunning depth of God’s mercy toward both rebels and the religious, and...

In this concise, Christ-centered overview of the Gospel of Mark, we trace the “beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1) and see why Mark presents Jesus as the triumphant Suffering Servant—One who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life “a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). You’ll get the big-picture purpose, audience, and driving themes of Mark’s fast-p...

You are blessed! What a phenomenal promise in Scripture. But the blessing is probably not in what you are thinking. In Ephesians 1:3–14, the Apostle Paul declares a staggering truth: every spiritual blessing we receive from God is found and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In this Christ-centered Bible teaching, we explore what it truly means to be “blessed” and how our blessing is not in something but...

In this Bible teaching, we explore the often-overlooked story of Zechariah in Luke 1 and discover how his faithfulness, misunderstanding, and expectancy prepare the way for the Advent of Jesus Christ. Far more than background characters in the Christmas story, Zechariah and Elizabeth stand at the threshold of redemptive history, where God breaks centuries of silence and announces the coming of the...

Happy Thanksgiving! But is your thanksgiving celebration a once-a-year feast or an everyday focus? In this special (and short), thanksgiving episode, Nathan gives a quick overview of thanksgiving in Scripture, why it should mark our lives, and how it is connected to our celebration of Jesus Christ. ----------------- » Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest  eac...

When most people think of Jonah, they picture a fish. Yet the fish appears in only three verses of this profound prophetic book. So if Jonah isn’t really about a fish, what’s it about? In this special (short) episode, Nathan invites you to join him in a verse-by-verse study of the book of Jonah where we discover that Jonah is a book about the Living God who relentlessly pursues the lost, even when...

Names in the Bible are far more than labels—they reveal character, nature, reputation, and identity. In this episode, Nathan Johnson explores why the names of God are vital for knowing Him personally and growing spiritually. When you truly understand God's names, you gain greater clarity of His character, deeper intimacy in relationship with Him, increased awe and worship of Him, and you’ll find t...

George Müller (1805–1898) was a man who lived fully by faith and prayer, caring for over 10,000 orphans, giving away hundreds of thousands of Bibles, and inspiring generations to trust God’s promises. In this episode, Nathan Johnson explores the incredible life and legacy of Müller—once a liar, thief, and drunkard who was transformed by Christ into a humble servant of God. From his radical depende...

Most people think worship means singing songs—but the Bible reveals it’s far deeper. True worship is a lifestyle of beholding, intimacy, and sacrifice. In short, it must become the posture of your heart, the focus of your life, and the daily offering of yourself to God. In this Christ-centered Bible teaching, Nathan Johnson explores what biblical worship really means, uncovering its rich depth in...

It is common for Christians to declare that they love God with everything … "all to Jesus I surrender" is the song upon our lips. But do I truly love the Lord our God with EVERYTHING? In this video, we dive into the "shema" of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and examine the biblical command to love God with ALL our heart, soul, and strength. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube Check out the study notes for...

esus is to be the obsession and focus of a Christian's life. Yet how do we discover what we are truly obsessed with? In this episode, we discover: the four indicators that reveal what we are obsessed with in our lives why it is imperative that Jesus is our sole obsession and the definition of idolatry (looking to anyone or anything besides Jesus to meet my needs) Simply, if Jesus isn't our obsessi...

Philippians 3:4–10 reveals the apostle Paul’s powerful testimony of surrender—counting all things as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. In this video, we dive into what it means to truly know Jesus, not just intellectually but intimately (ginōskō), and why following Him is worth giving up everything. Watch this episode as a video on YouTube Sign up for the Deeper Digest (everyt...

You may have heard about Jesus your whole life—but do you actually know Him? I’m not talking about religion, church attendance, or head knowledge. I mean a real, personal, authentic relationship with the living God. If you’ve ever wondered, “There has to be more than this in the Christian life,”—you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re going to uncover how to move from knowing about Jesus to truly...

When you think of the cross of Christ, do you think of a sad event or something exciting? This is "holy week" and most Christians are celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, when we celebrate Good Friday, it is typically somber and serious … but should it be? In this episode, Nathan walks through Matthew 16 and shows that Jesus' disciples should have been expectant and ready f...

Ian Thomas is one of my favorite preachers of old to listen to—his way of articulating the profound truths of Scripture in a simple way has been incredibly helpful to my understanding that Jesus wants to live His life in and through me. In this stirring and powerful message, Ian Thomas shares that God wants to be God right now in you. We as believers must remember that Christ is the secret to Chri...

The Christian life should be marked by three C’s: content, character, and communication. In this episode, Nathan discusses and explains the three C’s of the Christian life and why they are essential for the times in which we live. ----------------- » Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest  each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and re...

It has often been joked that there are only two guarantees in life: death and taxes. Yet, few of us want to ponder our end—it feels morbid, awkward, or only causes anxiety. Nevertheless, Scripture reminds us that life is short and as such we should "redeem" (buy up) the time. We should be intentional in how we live—for however long God gives us. In this episode, we discuss what Scripture says abou...

God used the life and ministry of Stephen Manley profoundly in my life. My summer traveling with Stephen was a dramatic turning point in my life and the two decades of ministering alongside him has been a rich blessing and joy. After a battle with brain cancer, Stephen Manley died this week on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. In this small tribute to his life and death, I reflect on Stephen's life and his...

As Christians we are to people of prayer. In his little gem of a book The Hidden Life of Prayer, David M'Intyre talks about what the prayer life of a believer looks like and gives practical helps and tools to deepen in our intimacy and communion with God. In this episode, Nathan gives seven takeaways that he gained from the book and gives an important warning at the end about reading books on pray...

Ephesians is one of my favorite books in Scripture … and I've been preaching through it for years. In this episode, we step back and gain a broad 10,000 foot view of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, the reason he wrote it, the context surrounding it, and important things to take notice of. Listen to my other New Testament book overviews (soon to be available on YouTube) Join me in my study of Ephe...

Every christian needs to be in a lifelong process of discipleship. But it is also important to have seasons where we remove distractions and intentionally pursue the Lord Jesus Christ. In this episode, I invite you to join me in a season of discipleship—whether online or in person. Discipleship options mentioned in the episode: Sign up for  Ellerslie Online   (a go-at-your-own-pace onlin...