God‘s Story Podcast

What is Christian hospitality and how do we do it? Brent talks with Laura Baghdassarian Murray about her new IVP book ‘Becoming a Person of Welcome: The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality’. Laura is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary’s Center for Spiritual Formation.  She serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board and previously served at Highland Park P...

Does Dante in ‘Paradiso’ refer to a sort of transhumanism and why? Brent talks with Jennifer Holberg about ‘Paradiso’ – the last part of ‘The Divine Comedy’. Jennifer is professor and chair of the English Department at Calvin University in the States and co-director of the Calvin Center for Faith and Writing.  She’s also the author of the book ‘Nourishing Narratives’. (1:10) The structure of ‘Para...

Have you ever felt directionless, like you’re adrift at sea? Brent talks with Mitch Bakker about his new book from Mitchell Publications called ‘Drawn: Drawn to Faith, Awakened by Story’. Mitch is the founder and owner of IDA Design, an award-winning, nationally recognized industrial design firm.  His most recent venture was launching a restaurant, StrEATS Taco Kitchen where he finds connection to...

Can we have a theistic science? Brent talks with Joshua Farris about his new Routledge book ‘God, Souls, and Consciousness: Deconditioning the Mind from Naturalism’. Joshua is an ordained priest with the Diocese of Kagera and ACMI and a Canon Theologian on Missio Mosaic.  He’s director and founder of Soul Science Ministries and Spiritually Driven Leadership.  (0:45) Naturalism; (4:00) Descartes; (...

‘Everything I’ve been through could have broken me but instead God has used it to shape me.  My story isn’t just about survival – it’s about faith, redemption, and knowing that with God you can really rise again’. Brent talks with Juliet Dawn about her new album ‘Born To Be’. Juliet is a multifaceted artist whose creative output spans across music, film and literature underpinned by a prophetic Ch...

What do we do when God doesn’t heal us? Brent talks with Meera Mahadevan about her new book ‘When God Doesn’t Heal: How is this Love?’ Meera has had careers across multiple industries.  She’s a Broadcast journalist and former news anchor with a forte in international politics.  She later transitioned to Corporate Reputation Management.  More recently, she’s been engaged with mission organizations...

What if the key to a deeper, more meaningful life lies in the questions we ask? Brent talks with J.R. Briggs the author of a new IVP book called ‘The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith’. J.R. Briggs is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, an organization committed to serving leaders through coaching, consulting, and speaking.  He...

Does the church still matter in our modern world? Brent talks with Carmen Imes about her new IVP book ‘Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters’. Carmen is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University in the States and is the author of a number of books.   (0:45) The wardrobe; (2:00) Why does the church matter? (3:20) People leaving the church; (5:00) Biblical theology of fa...

‘Working in healthcare can be immensely satisfying, but it can also be challenging. Maybe you’re on the verge of burnout’. Brent talks with Mark Topazian about his new IVP book ‘Healing Purpose: Finding Satisfaction in a Healthcare Career’. Mark is a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine.  He’s practised and taught at Yale University, at the Mayo Clinic, and in multiple sub-Saharan African...

Do you ever wonder if Jesus really claimed to be God? Brent talks with Mikel Del Rosario about his new IVP book called ‘Did Jesus Really Say He Was God?: Making Sense of His Historical Claims’. Mikel is professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.  He’s co-authored over 30 journal articles on apologetics and cultural engagement with his mentor, Darrell Bock.  He’s host of ‘...

Brent talks with Eric Burstock about his new book from Critical Mass Books called ‘The Table is Already Set: A Beautiful Love Story Between a Jewish Man and a Christian Woman’. Eric is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, a Personal Financial Specialist, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  In October of 1980, Eric, who was brought up Jewish, became a followe...

Brent talks with Hannah Long about Wes Anderson’s 2012 movie ‘Moonrise Kingdom’. Hannah is a passionate cinephile.  She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘The Despatch’, ‘Angelus News’, ‘The Bulwark’, ‘First Things’ and ‘Christianity Today’.  (0:45) Wes Anderson; (3:40) The story and the actors; (8:15) Romance; (14:30) Autobiographical? (15:50) A...

Gen Z carries unique questions about life and God. Brent talks with Tanita Tualla Maddox about her new IVP book ‘What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God: Seven Questions About Life and God’. Tanita is the national director for generational impact for Young Life and serves as an associate regional director in the Mountain West Young Life region.  She has an expertise in contextualizing the gospel...

AI presents some profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities for the church. Brent talks with Todd Korpi the author of a new IVP book called ‘AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence’. Todd is a pastor, missiologist, and church consultant.  He’s dean of digital ministry programs at Ascent College, assistant professor of Christian leadership at Fuller Theological Semin...

What is journaling and how can it help our spiritual growth? Brent talks with Marc Alan Schelske about the second edition of his book from Whitaker House called ‘Journaling for Spiritual Growth: Six Weeks to Build a Habit That Fosters Spiritual and Emotional Maturity’. Marc is a thinker and speaker who is currently the teaching elder of Bridge City Community Church in Portland, Oregon. He also hos...

Why are there references to grapes, vineyards and wine in Chapter 7 of the Song? Brent talks with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States.  (0:25) The wasf in Chapter 7; (1:10) The palm tree; (2:30) The place names; (4:10) Wine; (6:30) The woman and the land; (8:00) Damascus in v 4; (8:50) Carmel – v 5; (9:35) Purple and scarlet; (9:50) V 9; (11:15) Garden imagery; (14:00) Ve...

What does chapter 6 of the ‘Song’ have to say about love? Brent talks with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute. (0:25) Chapter 5 (0:45) Love; (3:00) Love as a world; (4:25) Verse 1; (5:20) The bride; (5:45) V 3; (6:50) John’s gospel and the Song; (7:15) V 5 – the bridegroom; (9:15) V 8 – the Bride; (10:00) Proverbs 31:1; (12:15) Verses 11-13; (13:05) The daughters of Jerusalem – v 13;...

Brent is joined by Hannah Long to discuss the new Springsteen movie ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ starring Jeremy Allen White as the Boss and directed by Scott Cooper. Hannah is a passionate cinephile.  She writes cultural commentary and film criticism for a number of publications including ‘The Despatch’,’Angelus News’, ‘The Bulwark’, ‘First Things’ and ‘Christianity Today’.   (1:05) ‘Ne...

Have you ever wondered what Jesus was like? Not long ago New York Times Bestselling author Susy Flory sat down and wrote a three word post on a popular social media outlet that started with ‘Jesus Was…’ The simple post sparked a lively conversation and turned into one post a day for 30 days. Now there’s a book published by Kregel and edited by Susy Flory and Scott Johanningsmeier called ‘Jesus Was...

‘The state of Christian leadership does not look great these days’. Brent talks with Jason Jensen about his new IVP book ‘Formed to Lead: Humility, Character, Integrity, and Discernment’. Jason is vice president of spiritual foundations for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in the USA. Jason led InterVarsity staff teams in Berkely, California, for 29 years.  He and wife Susi are based in Madison,...

What can we learn from the account of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1? Brent talks with Robert Morgan about his new book from Thomas Nelson called ‘God Hasn’t Forgotten You: 24 Remarkable Ways God is Working in You and Through You’. Robert is leader of Robert J. Morgan Ministries, a nonprofit whose goal is to energize God’s people with a greater understanding of the Bible and of our Christian he...

Are you disenchanted with institutionalized religion? Are you desperate for something real? Brent talks with Joshua Porter, the author of a new book from David C. Cook called ‘How to Die: Chaos, Mortality, and the Scandal of Christian Discipleship’. Joshua is pastor of teaching and creative vision at Van City Church in Vancouver, Washington.  He’s also a former member of the experimental art-punk...

How can we express Christian faith in professional settings without compromising beliefs or upsetting others? Can we? Brent talks with Elaine Howard Ecklund, one of the authors with Denise Daniels of a new IVP book called ‘Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work’. Elaine is the Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, professor of sociology and director of the Boniuk Institute at Ri...

How are dreams used in chapter 5 of the Song? Brent talks again with Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States.  (0:20) The center of the book; (1:15) How is time used in the Song? (6:40) vs 2-8; (8:35) Dreams; (12:35) The Watchmen in v 7; (13:55) Matthew’s gospel; (15:30) The woman’s wasf; (16:30) Solomon’s palanquin; (17:50) The greater David? (19:15) Lilies; (20:00) The Temp...

How do the two lovers see creation in each other? Brent is joined once again by Dr. Alastair Roberts of the Theopolis Institute in the States to discuss chapter 4. (0:30) Chapter 4; (1:00) Metaphor; (3:10) Creation and the lovers; (4:55) The body in the Song; (10:50) A wasf; (11:50) v 1 and the goat imagery; (13:55) Sheep imagery; (15:50) The tower and the shields; (17:35) Lilies; (19:10) v 7 and...