Mission Upside Down

Philip Yancey has written several best-selling Christian books. In this episode, we learn God used several people, mostly writers, to restore his hope for the church. Some of those writers might encourage you.

It’s easy to give up on the church. People give up because of some bad pastors, or unbiblical teachings, or phoney believers. In some cases believers might have to leave their congregation. But usually they should remain.

From the first book of the Bible to the last book, from Genesis to Revelation, the main message is found in descriptions of four trees. Learn about these trees and about the wonderful future which awaits believers.

Do you believe God plans all things in life--not only the good things, but also the bad things? In this episode we explore the Bible’s teaching on the topic of God’s providence.

The ancient Greek philosophers said, “Know yourself.” Though John Calvin agrees with this point, he emphasizes that proper self-knowledge flows out of our knowing the true God. Only as we know God can we rightly know ourselves.

Along with Martin Luther, God also raised up the pastor John Calvin to bring about a return to the Bible in the 16th century. Listen as Calvin’s pastoral heart is revealed through some letters he wrote in those days.

Let’s look at three more ways that biblical doctrine helps us. With the previous episode that makes five ways altogether. If it’s right doctrine, and used rightly, then we and our churches will be helped greatly.

Some believers think of “doctrine” as a bad word. Yet, biblically and historically, it’s actually a good word. Though sometimes used in a wrong way, biblical doctrine can be used today to help believers and churches.

It’s not easy to talk to people about Jesus. In fact, it often requires hard work. But Jesus reminds us that someday there will be a gospel harvest. And then we, along with the new believer, will be rejoicing.

How can we talk to people about Jesus? In John 4, Jesus gives us some help in talking to unbelievers. Though we cannot do everything Jesus did, we can find some practical help in these verses.

How do believers speak to unbelievers about Jesus? Often, it’s by quoting some Bible verses or using a memorized presentation. From John chapters three and four we will learn where we must begin.

Having considered one big takeaway from Luther in a previous episode, we now consider three more takeaways. In God’s providence, the teachings of Luther continue to have a powerful effect upon our beliefs and practices today.

Almost 500 years ago, Martin Luther preached this sermon on Easter Sunday. It is based on John 20:17. Listen as Luther beautifully explains what Easter means for us today.

More books have been written about Martin Luther than anyone except Jesus. That’s according to one historian. Yet many people today know very little about him. Let’s learn how God used Martin Luther to change the world.

It’s possible to become so heavenly minded that we end up having little earthly value. We as believers must keep in balance our earthly and heavenly callings. In this episode, we focus on how God calls us to our earthly duties.

Followers of Jesus are citizens of heaven. The Bible says that we must set our minds on the things above. Our heavenly citizenship helps us handle many earthly situations.

Almost all news reports emphasize the bad news. As a result, people are becoming increasingly pessimistic and negative. Some are getting depressed. Now is the time to go on a ‘news fast’ and also to enjoy a ‘gospel feast.’

Part of our prayer life should include asking other believers to pray for us. As we share our needs with them, we are humbled. And as they pray for us, we are strengthened.

The psalms in the Bible can be used in your daily prayers. By using the words of the psalms you’ll find new ways of talking to God in prayer. Try it! You’ll soon find your prayers more satisfying and more God-glorifying.

We often make prayer too complicated. In contrast, Jesus teaches us a basic and easy way to pray. In this episode we cover some of those “prayer basics” so that we will be able to pray more naturally and more often.

Following the previous episode, we listen to Augustine’s account of his conversion experience. The final step is very dramatic. Yet Augustine came to realize that God had been at work in his life for many years before he took that final step.

The church leader, Augustine, was raised in north Africa around the year 400 A.D. He writes about his life before and after he was converted. It’s a fascinating story. In this episode we hear him describe his life before his conversion.

To have a relationship with God, each of us needs to be converted. Randal explains the biblical meaning of conversion. He also shares the stories of four people converted to faith in Jesus.

Counselor Andrew McKenzie explains how people can be traumatized by various events, including the death of a loved one or even in the current epidemic. He also gives practical advice about helping people cope with trauma in their lives.

Here’s a second list of Christian songs that every believer should know. By knowing these classic hymns and singing them, you’ll be giving glory to God--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What’s more, these songs will encourage you during difficult times.