Faith Forward Podcast - CFC Ashburn

In Week 1 of this series on Prayer, we talked about the reality of two-way communication with God. He WANTS to talk to us, and we are wired to hear from Him. This week, join Brian and Jon as they tackle the obvious follow-up issue -- how do I KNOW when it's God? This episode is full of practical suggestions for those that are just learning and those that have been walking with God for quite a whil...

How do you honestly feel about prayer? And what has your life experience taught you about prayer...and through those experiences, about God? If we're going to grow in the rhythm of prayer, we have to become aware of what we believe - at a heart level - about this way of connecting with our God. So whether you've felt frustrated by prayer, confused, or excited to grow further in this rhythm, you'll...

We're doing something a little different on today's Faith Forward podcast. The topic of "strongholds" is one of the least understood and least engaged in rhythms of modern Christianity. What might happen if we saw our spiritual reality more clearly? How might we think and live and engage with God differently as a result? Ready for an adventure? Join Jon and Brian as we embark on the Road to Freedo...

Welcome back to Part 2 of the "Road to Freedom." As we said in the previous episode, the topic of "strongholds" is one of the least understood and least engaged in rhythms of modern Christianity. Awareness of our condition and our need is an important first step in finding the abundant life Jesus promised. So Join Brian and Jon as we conclude this two-part series on the "Road to Freedom."

Are you familiar with the concept of a "stronghold"? It might sound a little intimidating, or perhaps overly spiritual. But strongholds are a very really hindrance in the life of EVERY Christian, and in many cases we're not even aware of their powerful influence in our day to day. So sit down with Brian and Jon as we clarify how strongholds are formed, and - more importantly - how we find freedom.

There are some critical questions to address as we close the discussion on loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself. What's your honest, heart-level "why" for doing so? What's your motivation in difficult conversations? And most of all, what on earth does it mean to "walk in the power of the Cross?" Join Brian and Jon for a heartfelt finale in the What Really Matters series.

Much like Joshua at Jericho, God has a unique strategy for loving your neighbors and yourself. And just like Joshua at Ai, we often feel like we know how to handle things on our own after tasting a success. So sit down with Brian and Jon as we share some practical lessons that will radically transform your ability to love your neighbor and yourself in unexpected and powerful ways.

Jesus was pretty clear on the "what" - Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. But we often struggle with the how...and that struggle often originates in our difficulty with being loved and loving ourselves. Join Brian and Jon for an intensely honest and wide-ranging conversation on how we can truly learn to love our neighbor as God wants us to love ourselves.

We're back! After breaking for the summer, we've returned to the studio just in time to recap all three messages on the rhythm of Daily Devotion. So join us for part 1 of a 2-part series as Brian, Lee, and Jon as share stories and offer practical steps to help all of us engage more deeply, personally, and transformationally with God on a daily basis.

In part 2 of this two-part podcast, Brian, Lee, and Jon get very practical on perhaps the most important part of Daily Devotion -- actually connecting with God and experiencing closeness with Him. Sound like something you want...or want more of? Then pull up a chair and listen to stories and suggestions that just might help you take the next step in your journey.

Part of the challenge in learning to Sabbath is learning what to do with our time. Perhaps an even larger challenge in learning to Sabbath is discovering the internal resistance we have to receiving this incredible gift from God. How do you respond to the invitation to Sabbath? Join Brian and Jon as they share their challenges and discoveries of learning to Sabbath well.

Happy Father's Day! As we pause for a "check-up" today on our spiritual health, one of the diagnostics that need to be run is the existence (and effect) of IDOLS in our life. Because you have them. I have them. And they can never do for us what the God of the Universe can...but we sure have a hard time letting go. So pull up a chair and join Brian and Jon as we invite God to show us our idols and...

What does it really mean to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy? Practically, how do I "sabbath" in a way that's not just legalistic? More importantly, how do we sabbath so that we actually experience all the richness and delight that God intended when He set that day apart? Whether sabbath is a new category for you or you're looking to deepen your experience, you won't want to miss this ep...

We probably talk less about Celebration than any of the other spiritual rhythms. Yet our growth in this rhythm makes space for God to transform us in ways that no other rhythm can reach. So how do you do with celebration? With remembrance and delight and extravagant celebration? And have you experienced what God can do in you and through you as you celebrate with Him? Join Brian and Jon for an int...

There is something in you that is desperately needed in the world around you. You've been given a gift - more than one, in fact - and you will be profoundly transformed if you allow God to reveal, expand, and mature it within you. And as you do, you will be stunned to witness the effect on those around you...the effect of one who has come fully alive and is pointing others in the same direction. A...

We're wrapping up this series on Serving with some pretty uncomfortable questions...and by that I mean that Brian and Jon are squirming in their seats as they reflect on places God has really challenged their heart towards serving others...and being served. If you're serious about growing closer to God in this spiritual rhythm, you'll definitely want to catch this episode of the Faith Forward podc...

God doesn't NEED us to do anything for Him -- AND -- He's created a world where He prefers to work THROUGH us. So let's talk a little more about serving, about being available, and about the transformation WE experience when God moves through us to reach others. Pull up a chair with Jon Ackerman and special guest, Mike Haynes, for a practical, heart-felt conversation on the transformational power...

As we walk with God, serving others is an essential part of the journey. But the goal and the outcome of serving may be far bigger, more beautiful, and more beneficial to us than we ever realized. Join Brian and Jon as they offer practical stories of choosing humility over humiliation, transformation over transaction, and expansion of categories over checking boxes. You'll be glad you did.

In this final week on "Sacrifice," we're talking about sacrificing your "way"... you know, the way you like to do things, interact with others, and generally make life happen. What it would look like to sacrifice at the level of your temperament in order to uplift and engage others in ways they best receive? For one thing, it might look like the most difficult thing you've ever done! But it might...

Can you believe we're still talking about Sacrifice?! In this week's episode, though, we're going to change the way we look at and think about sacrifice. In particular, examining the reality that God often intends the greatest recipient of our sacrifice to be...ourselves! Join Brian and Jon for a thought-provoking (yet still practical) look at the rhythm of Sacrifice.

We wouldn't blame you at all if you skipped right past this episode. Who really wants to talk about "sacrifice?" But very few other things offer the same tangible opportunities for real transformation. So join Brian and Jon for a kind, honest, and practical conversation on truly embracing a lifestyle of sacrificial living. You'll be glad you did!

Despite our best efforts, we often approach prayer as a transaction instead of a connection. Even when we try to pray relationally, we still often feel that prayer is a puzzle to solve. How can we break that cycle and truly connect with God in prayer as Jesus did? Join Jon Ackerman and Lee Towns (Director of Story & Digital Ministry) as they share their personal journeys of understanding and exper...

In our life with God, transformation does not come out of self-effort but it does require intentionality. So how can be intentional without falling into striving on the one side or apathy on the other? Join Brian and Jon as they wrap up the final week on the prophet Haggai's invitation to "consider our ways."

When God invites us to do something with Him, we often (and often unknowingly) develop some expectations of the outcome. And when it seems like God's instructions didn't result in our plan we get confused, frustrated, and hurt. Ever been there? If so, join Brian and Jon as they share practical suggestions to not only invite God into that space of pain but also recover the joy of God's invitation t...

How do you see your story? How do you see yourself? Sharing your story is a critical part of a life with God, and inviting others into your story is equally critical. But are you aware of the lenses through which you see your own story? More importantly, do you know what God says about your story? Join Brian and Jon as hey talk about the concept of the "false self" - where we see it in Scripture a...