The Long Obedience

In this special book review episode of The Long Obedience , Pastor Santosh dives into one of the most formative books of his life: C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity . He traces the book’s fascinating origins from Lewis’s BBC radio broadcasts during WWII and unpacks its brilliant, logical progression from universal human morality to the necessity of Christ's perfect atonement. Ultimately, this ep...

In this episode of The Long Obedience , Pastor Santosh Ninan explores 1 Peter 1:22-25 to uncover the true foundation of authentic Christian community. Acknowledging the painful reality of "church hurt," he explains how believers can only love one another constantly and sincerely when they are transformed by the eternal, imperishable word of God. Ultimately, listeners are reminded that wh...

In this episode of The Long Obedience , Pastor Santosh returns from a summer study break to dive into 1 Peter 1:13-21, exploring what it means to set our hope entirely on God's grace rather than fragile earthly pursuits like careers or retirement. He unpacks the profound call to holiness, reminding listeners that we are redeemed from an empty, futile existence by the precious blood of Christ...

In this episode of The Long Obedience, Pastor Santosh dives into 1 Peter 1:10-12 to explore the profound salvation predicted by Old Testament prophets and the enduring pattern of Christ's suffering followed by eternal glory. Reminding listeners that earthly struggles are temporary, he shares the story of Moses to encourage believers and weary pastors to remain faithful, even when the eternal...

In a break from the usual Bible study, Pastor Santosh reviews one of his favorite books of all time, G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy . The episode explores Chesterton's compelling defense of the Christian faith, demonstrating how it answers life's deepest questions in ways that an atheistic worldview simply cannot. Highlighting the chapter "The Ethics of Elfland," Santosh refl...

In this episode of "The Long Obedience," Pastor Santosh Ninan unpacks 1 Peter 1:3-9, exploring the foundational themes of great mercy, new birth, and a living hope. He candidly shares from his own recent season of suffering to illustrate how God uses trials to refine our faith. Pastor Santosh encourages you to hold suffering and rejoice together, finding that true Christian joy is rooted...

In this episode of "The Long Obedience," Pastor Santosh begins his study of 1st Peter by examining chapter 1, verses 1-2. He explores what it means to be a "chosen exile" whose primary identity is firmly rooted in Jesus, especially when navigating a culture that opposes Christian values. Santosh encourages his listeners to find deep comfort in the saving work of the Triune God,...

In the inaugural episode of "The Long Obedience," host Dr. Santosh Ninan introduces his background in pastoral ministry and explains how a quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, later popularized by author Eugene Peterson, inspired the show's title. Sharing his plan to focus on expository Bible teaching, Santosh previews his upcoming study on the book of 1 Peter, which will explore what a &q...

In "The Long Obedience," Pastor Santosh Ninan draws on over 20 years of ministry experience to explore how the Christian faith speaks into the difficult realities of modern life. Through a verse-by-verse study of 1st Peter, this teaching podcast guides listeners on how to navigate cultural pressure, opposition, and suffering as exiles in a world that no longer feels like home. Ultimately...