The Daily Grind

Friday, May 24: In this episode, John and Mariza continue their study of God calling his people and building his people. They focus on the story of Elisha in 2 Kings chapters 2-9, highlighting key moments such as the healing of the water in Jericho, the encounter with the mocking youth, and the various miracles performed by Elisha. They also delve into the story of Naaman, the Syrian general with...

Thursday, May 23: This special episode of "The Daily Grind" explores the profound teachings of Jesus on the Kingdom of God. Through parables, the rich imagery Jesus used to describe the Kingdom—yeast, seeds, treasure, and a banquet. In a heartwarming story from 1990, John recounts Tony Campolo's experience in a diner, where a simple act of kindness turned into a transformative moment...

Wednesday, May 22: In this episode of the Daily Grind Podcast, we delve into the thought-provoking pages of John Dixon's "Bullies and Saints." Today John runs through Chapter 5, titled 'Good Losers,' and explores the character of the earliest Christians and how they embodied Christ's teachings and Paul's instructions. Join us to discover their unwavering commitment to...

Tuesday, May 21: In this episode, we'll explore the idea of eliminating hurry from our lives. We'll talk about why hurry is a spiritual problem, and how we can learn to slow down and live more intentionally. We'll also discuss the importance of Sabbath-keeping as a way to cultivate a more unhurried lifestyle.   Here are some items we cover in the episode:  What is hurry and why is it a...

Monday, May 20: In this episode, we look at one of Jesus' most challenging commands: to love and forgive our enemies. We explore the practical implications of this command, as outlined by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:14-21. Through the powerful testimony of Corrie Ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, we discover how forgiveness can be an act of the will, inspired by the example of Jesus. We also a...

Friday, May 17: In this thought-provoking episode of The Daily Grind podcast, we delve into the New Testament’s portrayal of the gospel, challenging the common heaven-centric view held by many Christians. Scot McKnight, a New Testament scholar, highlights the striking absence of an afterlife focus in the Apostles’ sermons within the book of Acts. Instead, Peter’s sermon in Acts 3 reveals a gospel...

Thursday, May 16: In the season finale of ‘The Daily Grind,’ we reflect on the journey of faith that has propelled us through a year of inspiring podcasts. Episode 249 is a heartfelt tribute to the power of persistence and the impact of ministry in everyday life. We revisit the scriptural call to be Christ’s ambassadors from 2 Corinthians 5:20, embracing our mission to spread God’s love. Romans 12...

Wednesday, May 15: In this episode of The Daily Grind podcast, we explore the profound call of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, examining its implications beyond traditional evangelism. We discuss how “Go” signifies a continuous action within our daily lives, emphasizing the transformative journey of discipleship. The episode delves into the importance of intentional living, authentic fai...

Tuesday, May 14: In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of ancient Christianity and explore how early Christians navigated a hostile non-Christian society. Drawing inspiration from biblical passages like Matthew 6:2–4 and Matthew 25:36-40, we discuss the core principles that set Christians apart from the world. Our goal? To imitate Jesus, informed by His teachings and the Holy Spirit...

Monday, May 13: In this episode of The Daily Grind Podcast, we delve into the core beliefs of Christianity, encapsulated in the Apostles’ Creed. Despite the diversity of Christian denominations, this concise 83-word summary stands as a unifying symbol of faith. We explore its historical roots, its emergence as a response to heresy, and its enduring spiritual significance. The episode concludes wit...

Friday, May 10: In this conversation, John and Mariza continue their exploration of the Old Testament, focusing on the story of Elijah and Ahab. They discuss Elijah's call to Elisha, Ahab's conflicts with Ben Haddad, and his desire for Naboth's vineyard. They also examine Ahab's death in battle and the continuation of evil in his lineage. The conversation highlights themes of obedi...

Thursday, May 9, In this powerful episode, we delve into the heart of Christianity—the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We explore the dual nature of Jesus as fully human and fully God, the sacrificial love displayed on the cross, and the revolutionary impact of His resurrection. Renowned theologian N.T. Wright’s insights guide us as we consider our role in God’s kingdom and the respo...

Wednesday, May8: Welcome to another episode of The Daily Grind! Today, we explore a topic that may initially sound theological but holds profound relevance for our daily lives. We delve into the "Three-Fold Office" of Jesus the Messiah, as described in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Discover why this concept matters as we explore how Jesus fulfills the roles of Prophet, Priest, and K...

Tuesday, May 7: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we look at the compassionate nature of Jesus, as depicted in the story of Mark 1:40-42. We explore how Jesus broke societal norms to heal a leper, demonstrating his boundless compassion. This episode challenges us to reflect on our attitudes towards marginalized individuals and encourages us to embody Jesus’ compassion in our daily lives. ⁠⁠Email...

Monday, May 6: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we dig into the nature and mission of Jesus, challenging our preconceptions and fears. We explore the transformative power of His love and the peace that transcends worldly understanding. Through the biblical account of Jesus calming the storm, we witness His divine authority and the disciples’ misunderstanding of His true identity. This episode i...

Friday, May 3: In this conversation, John and Mariza continue their journey through the Old Testament, focusing on the story of Elijah. They discuss the evil deeds of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who worshiped false gods. Elijah is called by the Lord to confront Ahab and bring a drought upon the land. Elijah then goes to a widow in Zarephath, who miraculously provides for him and her son. The c...

Thursday, May 2: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we journey back to ancient Antioch with John Chrysostom as our guide. We explore the teachings of Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven, focusing on Matthew 6:33. Chrysostom’s homilies challenge us to prioritize spiritual wealth, release anxiety, and trust in God’s abundant provision. His timeless wisdom offers an alternative perspective on abundanc...

Wednesday, May 1: In this episode of The Daily Grind, consider the profound wisdom of John Chrysostom’s Homilies on Matthew 6:14. We explore the power of forgiveness and its reciprocal nature in our relationship with God and others. Chrysostom’s insights serve as a reminder of our ongoing spiritual journey, the importance of repentance even after salvation, and the crucial role forgiveness plays i...

Tuesday, April 30: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we continue looking into the profound teachings of John Chrysostom, a revered theologian of the Early Church. We focus on his interpretation of Matthew 5:20, exploring Jesus’ call for a righteousness that transcends mere observance of religious laws. Join us as we uncover the deeper meaning of righteousness, reflecting on its implications for...

Monday, April 29: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we explore the teachings of Jesus about the Kingdom of Heaven, guided by the insights of early Church Father, John Chrysostom. We focus on Matthew 5:3, exploring the concept of being ‘poor in spirit’ and its significance in the Kingdom of Heaven. We discuss the Kingdom as a present reality, a state of being, and how we, as believers, can live o...

Friday, April 26: In this conversation, John and Marza discuss the events in 1 Kings 14-16, focusing on the reigns of various kings and the consequences of their actions. They highlight the importance of obedience and the consequences of rebellion. They also discuss the impact of leadership on spirituality and the role of leaders in shaping beliefs. They mention the books of Chronicles and explain...

Thursday, April 25: On today's episode of The Daily Grind, we delve into the enriching truths found in Paul's prayers from Colossians 1:9-12. Despite Colosse's lesser-known status, Paul's prayers for the Christians there hold timeless wisdom. As we dissect these prayers, we discover their communal significance, emphasizing the unity and collective growth within the body of Christ....

Wednesday, April 24: In this episode of The Daily Grind, we delve into the profound prayer of the Apostle Paul for the believers in Philippi. Despite their spiritual health, Paul persistently prays for them, emphasizing the ongoing need for spiritual nourishment through prayer. Through an exploration of Paul's prayer, we uncover the significance of love, knowledge, discernment, and righteousne...

Tuesday, April 23: Join host John Spencer on this enlightening episode of The Daily Grind as we dissect Paul's powerful prayer for the church found in Ephesians 3:16-19. Delving into each verse, we uncover profound insights into spiritual strength, Christ dwelling in our hearts, being rooted in love, grasping the depth of Christ's love, and experiencing the fullness of God. Discover how th...

Monday, April 22: On this week's episode of The Daily Grind, host John Spencer delves into the profound prayers of the Apostle Paul for the early church, focusing on Ephesians 1:17-19. He explores how Paul's prayers transcend the superficial and transactional, inviting believers to seek deeper spiritual understanding, embrace their identity in Christ, and tap into God's incomparable po...