God‘s Story Podcast

How do we ‘do’ discipleship? ‘Many Christians don’t disciple others because they think it’s the church leaders’ responsibility.  But Jesus commanded all his disciples to go and make disciples’.  (1:00) The Great Commission; (4:00) Yolanda’s discipleship journey; (8:50) Jesus and discipleship; (15:10) The discipleship problem in the States; (22:35) Small group discipleship and one-on-one disciplesh...

‘The world has changed.  In a world screaming in a thousand directions for our focus, its essential for us to become attentive to God, our congregation, and our community’. Brent talks with Jim Singleton, the author with Kevin Ford of a new IVP book called ‘Attentive Church Leadership: Listening and Leading in a World We’ve Never Known’. Jim is a coach and discipler at Leighton Ford Ministries in...

Blaise Pascal, the seventeenth century French philosopher and scientist is perhaps best known for his ‘wager’, an argument about the existence of God.  But there’s much more to Pascal and his brilliance.   (0:55) Who was Blaise Pascal? (2:25) Pascal’s Defense of the Christian religion; (4:10) Pascal’s experience of God; (7:40) Asceticism; (8:40) Science and faith; (11:00) Pascal’s use of science a...

Give yourself permission to slow down! Brent talks with Jodi Grubbs about her new book from IVP called ‘Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale’. Jodi is the podcast host of ‘Our Island in the City’ and a slow living advocate.  She’s the author of a children’s book ‘The Island Adventures of Lili and Oliver’ and co-author of a Bible study called ‘Friendship Cafe’.   (1:00) Bonaire; (5:20) Leavin...

What is transhumanism and is it the world’s most dangerous idea? Brent talks with Joshua Farris, Vice President of Ethical Engagement, Density 6 and the Humboldt Experienced Researcher Fellow at the University of Bochum about his article for ‘Voice’s called ‘What is at stake with trans-human projects’?  (1:00) The world’s most dangerous idea? (4:15) Transhumanism and Western individualism; (8:40)...

Can the church be future proofed? Is the church future proofed already? Brent talks with Stephen McAlpine about his new book from The Good Book Company called ‘Futureproof: How to Live for Jesus in a Culture that Keeps on Changing’. Stephen has been reading, writing and reflecting ever since he can remember.  He’s pastored at several churches in his home state of Western Australia and in his writi...

Life is unpredictable and the world is unstable. Brent talks with Robert J. Morgan a pastor, podcaster and author who wants to remind us all about the book of Philippians which he calls ‘the Bible’s handbook for tackling each day with an undaunted attitude’. Robert’s new book from Thomas Nelson in the States is called ‘Whatever Happens: How to Stand Firm in Your Faith When the World is Falling Apa...

‘Knowing, loving and worshipping God is the call and privilege of every disciple of Jesus. Because all Christians are part of his royal priesthood, theology is not just for those teaching in the academy or serving in ministry vocations’. Brent talks with Malcolm Yarnell about his new B and H Publishing book ‘God’, the first volume in a 3 part series called ‘Theology for Every Person’. Malcolm serv...

How can the church help with the global mental health crisis? How can churches partner with mental health professionals? Brent talks with James Sells and Amy Trout about their new IVP book ‘Beyond the Clinical Hour: How Counselors Can Partner with the Church to Address the Mental Health Crisis’. James is professor of counseling, shares the Rosemary S. Hughes Professor of Christian Thought and Ment...

The biblical story begins and ends with God as king.  Humans rebel however and the world becomes ensnared to the rule of a dark, serpentine lord.  But the story doesn’t end there…. Brent talks with Stephen Dempster, the author of a new IVP book called ‘The Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God’s Reign’. Stephen is emeritus professor of religious studies at Crandall University in Canada...

How do Psalms 110 and 118 point to Jesus? Brent talks with Ian Vaillancourt about his Sheffield Press book ‘The Multifacted Saviour of Psalms 110 and 118’. Ian is associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Heritage Theological Seminary in Cambridge, Ontario.  He’s the author of a number of books.   (0:50) The shape of the book of Psalms; (3:55) A Psalm in the context of the whole book; (5:...

A man gets off a train in a small town and finds himself confronted by some very hostile ‘heavies’…. What is happening in this town? Brent talks with Hannah Long about the 1954 movie ‘Bad Day at Black Rock’ starring Spencer Tracey and Robert Ryan. Hannah is a passionate cinephile.  She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘The Dispatch’, ‘Angelus New...

Brent talks with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute about Zechariah chapter 2.   (1:40) Chapter 2 – more weird stuff; (2:05) The man with the measuring line; (3:00) The Temple in Ezekiel and Zechariah; (7:10) Zechariah 2 and Revelation 7. The 4 winds; (8:55) Esther; (10:30) Another Exodus; (14:30) The Gentile nations. Links mentioned in this episode: theopolisinstitute.com alastairadv...

Brent is joined by Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the United States to discuss the often puzzling book of Zechariah. In this episode, Brent and Alastair look at chapter 1. (0:40) Who was Zechariah and what’s the book about? (4:00) The book of the 12; (6:15) The time in chapter 1; (7:15) The Lord of Hosts; (9:40) Israel’s repentance; (10:15) The Night Visions; (14:00) The 1st Ni...

Who is Jesus? What is truth and where is it found? What’s the purpose of life? Brent talks with Rick Beckwith about his new B and H Publishing Group book ‘What If It’s All True?’ Rick investigates the person and promises of Jesus.  What if Jesus was more than just a good teacher but actually the Son of God – what would this mean for you and me personally? Rick has served on the staff of Young Life...

Brent talks with Joshua Farris about dementia and the soul and raising adoptive children. Joshua is a teacher, pastor, editor, author, blogger and podcaster.  He’s currently Vice President of Ethical Engagement at Density6 and Visiting Research Professor at the University of Bochum. Two of Joshua’s recent articles published in ‘The Christian Post’ are ‘What dementia teaches us about the soul’ and...

Brent talks with Patricia Weerakoon from Sydney, Australia about 2 sets of books she’s published with YouthWorks Media in Sydney called ‘You and Me by the Book’ and ‘Birds and Bees by the Book’. Patricia is a counsellor, sexologist and academic.  She trained in medicine at the University of Sri Lanka and did her postgraduate study in sexology at the University of Hawaii.  She taught at Sydney Univ...

Brent talks with Brian Zahnd about his new IVP America book ‘The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross’. Brian is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St Joseph, Missouri.  Brian is known for his theologically informed preaching and his embrace of the deep and long history of the church and he provides a forum for pastors to engage with leading theologians and is...

Sometimes hope can feel like a scam – a swindle, a hustle.  Not only do we have hope, but that hope cannot disappoint us because it’s been validated by God Himself. Brent talks with Irwin Incke Jnr. about his new book on Hebrews published by IVP America called ‘Hope Ain’t a Hustle: Persevering by Faith in a Wearying World’. Irwin is the coordinator of Mission to North America, part of the Presbyte...

Are you feeling anxious? How can Jesus lead us out of feelings of anxiety? Brent talks with Alan Fadling about his new IVP America book ‘The Non-Anxious Life: Experiencing the Peace of God’s Presence’. Alan is president and founder of Unhurried Living in Mission Viejo, California, inspiring people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better.  He speaks and consults internationally.    (1:30) Alan...

Brent is joined by Dr. Robert Marbut Jnr., the founding President and CEO of Haven for Hope and the White House’s ‘Federal Homelessness Tzar’. Dr. Marbut has consulted on issues of homelessness with more communities and organizations than anyone else in the States and has also worked in 3 Presidential Administrations.  How he is the Executive Producer of both the ‘No Address’ movie starring Ashant...

How does an everyday law practice relate to Jesus’ call to follow him to servanthood? Brent talks with Robert Cochran Jnr. about his new IVP America book ‘The Servant Lawyer: Facing the Challenges of Christian Faith In Everyday Law Practice’. Robert is the Brandeis Professor of Law Emeritus at Pepperdine University and a graduate of  the University of Virginia School of Law.  Following law school...

Do you sit in church alone? Well if you do or you have done, this episode is for you! Brent talks with Danielle Treweek, founding director of the Single Minded Ministry and an Adjunct teacher at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia.  Danielle also serves as both Diocesan Research Officer and a member of the Archbishop’s Doctrine Commission within the Anglican Doctrine Commission within t...

Brent talks with children’s author Maria Marianayagam who’s just published the first 2 books in a new series launching with Hachette called ‘Baby Virtues’.  The series aims to introduce small children to foundational Christian virtues. Maria is a Tamil Sri Lankan Canadian children’s author who enjoys writing picture books centered on STEM, faith, and South Asian culture.  When Maria is not writing...

What exactly did the dying Jesus mean when he said ‘It is Finished’ at the Cross? How is the shed blood of a man two thousand years ago relevant here and now? Brent talks with Charles Martin, New York Times and USA Today best selling author.  Charles’s new book from Thomas Nelson is ‘It is Finished: A 40 Day Pilgrimage Back to the Cross’. (0:55) Why a 40 day journey? (3:40) ‘It is Finished’; (8:10...