FAI Central

The human heart obeys that which it desires. This is why David's lifelong commitment and calibration to the "one thing" of Psalm 27:4 kept him from wandering onto the wide road that leads to destruction. If you want to walk the "narrow way" that leads to life, if you want to "finish the race set before you," then you need to lock your eyes on this ONE THING. What is it? Join Jeff & Steph for the f...

Season 3's meditation on Philippians 2:5-11 comes to an end with "Part XIV: Death, Joy, and Final Words from a Father." We extend our conversation into verses 12-18, and consider Paul's "therefore" words for his beloved Philippian family, knowing well these words could've been his last. What were they, and how should we hear them today?

In this season's second-to-last episode, we approach the end of Philippians 2:5-11's incredible hymn. As Paul testifies to the super-exaltation (i.e. reward) of Jesus' all-in obedience, he closes with these words: "to the glory of God the Father." Jeff & Steph discuss the implications of these words, and weave corresponding passages from the biblical testimony throughout the conversation. Listen t...

Gabe reflects on the events leading up to the 9/11 attacks, their consequences in the following decades, and the path forward for the churches in the days ahead.

The Day of the LORD is coming, when Jesus is exalted above everything and everyone everywhere—in word, and deed. Every knee will bend and every mouth will declare His glory—even the most vile blasphemers among us still. This is the Day when injustices cease, and we want it to come. But as the prophets tell us, this Day is both "great" and "terrible." Jeff and Steph discuss the less popular, less s...

In this Special Edition of 'The Better Beautiful,' Jeff & Steph discuss recent events in Afghanistan. How do we continue to care for and carry burdensome grief and advocacy? What is God doing in Afghanistan, and how do we pray and partner with Him strategically and effectively? PLEASE NOTE // This episode was recorded before the devastating attacks at the Kabul airport SUPPORT THE AFGHAN UNDERGROU...

'The Better Beautiful' returns with Part 11 of 'The Better Surrender: The Name Above All Names.' Join Jeff and Steph for an extended conversation on Philippians 2:5-11, zeroing in this week on verses 9-10a, to meditate on the only Name that saves—the only Name that matters.

This week, we hit verse 9 in the Christological Everest that is Philippians 2:5-11. Likely an early church hymn, this text arrests us and puts us right where we belong: beneath the super-exalted King. Our surest freedom comes only on the terms of this sure truth: He is and will be preeminent in all things. Listen to Part X of The Better Surrender now: The Super-Theology of the Super-Exalted

In our final week on verse 8 ("and being found in human form, He became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross"), we meditate and explore what it means to preach the Cross. Join Jeff & Steph for this week's conversation on The Better Surrender: A Meditation on Philippians 2:5-11 Listen to "Part IX: Preaching the Cross" now here in the FAI App

Our journey through the early church hymn recorded in Philippians 2:5-11 finds us joyfully stuck on verse 8 for a third week in a row: "And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." The cross is not only God's upside-down means to redeem suffering, it is also the supreme revelation of His love—which is categorically different...

As we meditate on Philippians 2:5-11 this season, Jeff & Steph have parked, pitched their tents (and whatever other metaphor you can think of) on verse 8: "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Hang out here with us in this week's episode, "The Cross & Suffering."

"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Paul emphasizes the kind of death Jesus died for a reason—it matters for our redemption. Jeff & Steph hit Philippians 2:8 in Part VI of THE BETTER SURRENDER, our third season of THE BETTER BEAUTIFUL. It is our gift and privilege to stare at the Man Christ Jesus—the B...

We arrive this week at verse 8 in this staggering hymn of the early church (Phil. 2:5-11): "And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Join Jeff & Steph and ponder these words with wonder; we will never graduate from this truth. We will never wrap our minds around what this verse conveys. But we may allow it to lead us to t...

"Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when He had come as a man...." Sit with us in Philippians 2:7 this week. These are the depths of the depths.

" ....Who , being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God...." These are the words we meditate on this week, a simple phrase inviting us into the depths of Jesus. What does it mean that the "Word became flesh," in whom "it pleased God" that the "fullness of the Godhead would dwell in bodily form"—and "pleased God to crush"? How were (and are) the Father, Son, and Spiri...

In this episode, IAI director and IDF Lt. Col. Marco Moreno (Res.) discusses the transition of power in the Israeli parliament from Benyamin Netanyahu's government to a new coalition government, what it means for Israel, and how Wire listeners can make a difference for Israel in 2021.

We pitched our tent in Philippians 2:5 this week: "Have this mind in you also, which is yours in Christ Jesus." How do we become so conformed into the image of Jesus that we literally begin to think like He thinks? How does this affect our ability to "love the Lord our God with all our mind"? Meditate with us on this incredible hymn of the early church this season as we stare in wonder at THE BETT...

Devon reads her latest special report for the FAI Wire, delving into the historical backdrop for the recent Israel-Gaza conflict, and broadening our perspective to include the regional actors who are fueling the aggression of Hamas behind the scenes.

'The Better Beautiful' returns for Season 3 with a meditation on Philippians 2:5-11. Consider this likely hymn of the early discipleship communities: "Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And...

Our journey through the Farewell Discourse ends in John 21, with Jesus' simple but profound private conversation with Peter just days after the young man's failure to obey and follow Jesus at any and all costs. This familiar (but incredible) passage illuminates Jesus' gentle hand, devoted intercession, and commitment to lead Peter into the fullness ordained for him "beforehand" (see Ephesians 2:10...

Lt. Col. Marco Moreno (Res.) draws on three decades of experiences in the Israeli Defense Forces to give Wire listeners an insider analysis of the escalating conflict between the State of Israel and the Hamas regime in the Gaza Strip. Email your questions for Marco to QandA@faimission.org for a chance to get an answer during the next Wire podcast. Otherwise, please listen, pray and share.