The Yellow Balloons Podcast

Modern politics are full of many traps, landmines, historical abuses, and confusion. It sometimes seems best to avoid politics altogether. The Bible does not advocate for apathy in the world’s political process. It encourages us to discern, influence, and learn from the imperfect institutions that make mankind what it is. Discerning how to engage with politics is not about choosing sides in a war...

People often say the two topics we should avoid at the dinner table are religion and politics. In this episode, we talk about both. How should a new Christian, or an established one, think about politics? What does the Bible say about politics, human institutions, and governance? Although religion and politics are often taboo at the dinner table, both mean a great deal to all of us. Sifting throug...

Most Christians struggle with how to answer the questions and skepticism from their non-believing friends. Sharing life with non-Christians is a delicate balance. In this episode, we talk about how to be a witness without using words. We will also discuss how to adjust to a new life in Christ, without degrading or alienating your relationships. A commitment to Christ changes everything. There will...

The Bible reveals that every person created in the image of God has certain spiritual gifts or talents. These can be used to help further The Kingdom of God and build up The Body of Christ. In this episode, we talk through the spiritual gifts listed in Scripture. How do we apply these gifts to our lives? How do we grow in them? Does not having a specific gift get us off the hook for doing related...

Too often, church leaders are either held on a pedestal or unfairly judged. Church should be a place where good leaders serve the people around them, shepherding others toward the gospel of Jesus. God has put wisdom in each of us. You have the power to discern if church leaders and church structures are stewarding well. But be warned, you are not immune to poor leadership, no matter what role you...

Meeting with a community of believers is an important aspect to Christian life. We often talk about these meeting spaces as “churches”. In this episode, we talk about the purpose of church and how to go about finding the right community. Daily Christian community happens in our local groups. But all believers are also united as one big church, what Scripture calls The Body of Christ. It is a great...

New Christians are often surprised and confused to discover there are several different Biblical translations. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek. For centuries, it has needed to be translated in order for the global community to understand its message. Even experienced Christians have a difficult time sorting through the differences. So, which translation is best? In this episod...

Why was The Bible written? Is there a main point to it? What is The Bible about? In this episode, we discuss these questions by addressing both the metaphysical and rudimentary value of Scripture. The Bible helps us discover who God is, who we are, and how we ought to interact with God, ourselves, and others. This book helps us discover how to live in alignment with reality, thus discovering a lif...

The Bible often talks about two different paths. One is the path God suggests and it leads to goodness. The other is the path of destruction. One framework Scripture uses to describe these two paths is flesh versus spirit.​​ People sometimes think that being a Chrsitian means the voice of the flesh goes away. But this isn’t the case. Every day, Christians have to decide what path to walk on. The w...

Whether you are a new Christian, an experienced one, or not a believer at all, you likely have some questions about the authenticity of The Bible. How can something written so long ago be applicable today? Has it changed throughout the thousands of years it has existed? Can Scripture really help with what I am going through? In this episode, we talk through the essential task of The Bible: describ...

What about “the rules”? Every Christian knows there are rules: things you are not supposed to do and things you have to do. In this episode, we talk about the nature of those rules. They are not arbitrary requirements to prove obedience; the rules are essentially God’s description of how the world works and what is best for you. The consequence for doing them is that you will miss out on some of t...

What does it mean to be “born again”, cause that’s a confusing thing to consider?. What is baptism and why does it matter? In this episode, we address questions about what it means to enter and participate in The Kingdom of God. We will help you unravel some of the confusions and distractions, freeing you to participate in what The Bible calls “the life that is truly life”. According to The Bible,...

If you’re new to Christianity, you may notice the Bible is full of a lot of different kinds of books and that the Christian religion has some really unique and sometimes confusing terms. In this episode, we talk through different sections of the Bible, including the Law (or Torah), the Gospels, the Prophets, and the New Testament letters. We discuss what is different about each of these and why is...

If you are new to Christianity, you might find it overwhelming to open up your bible. There are so many books in the Bible, so many questions, and so many ideas. Where is the best place to begin? The key is just to start. There is no definitive right place to begin, just about anywhere will do. In this episode, we discuss some ideas of where to begin, as well as some processes and perspectives to...

In this episode, we dive into the question: what is evangelism? The best way to express the gospel to others is to live it out in one’s own life. This is the message of Scripture, from the Shema in Deuteronomy 6 to 1 Peter 3 and The Book of Hebrews. This kind of witness speaks volumes and is much more effective than being preached at or argued with. Stewarding life well is especially difficult in...

In this episode, we explore the origins of Christianity and its relationship to Judaism. We talk with Mark Meckler about his faith journey, including the search that got him to Jesus, the questions he had in the beginning, and some of the practices he developed to help him along the way. Christians are meant to ask questions. Following Jesus is not about figuring it all out, but about being in rel...

In this episode, we explore the origins of Christianity and its relationship to Judaism. We talk with Mark Meckler about his faith journey, including the search that got him to Jesus, the questions he had in the beginning, and some of the practices he developed to help him along the way. Christians are meant to ask questions. Following Jesus is not about figuring it all out, but about being in rel...

In this episode, we conclude our series on The Book of Philippians with a discussion on the power of perspective. The way we choose to see things fuels how we act and what we think. Christians are all fighting the same battles. Similar to Paul’s companions, we are called to be of the same mind for the Lord. We are called to be fair-minded, open-hearted, trustworthy and good to others. The Book of...

In this episode, we talk about the right perspective of worldly temptations. Every day, we struggle to give up worldly pride and desires. The appetite for these things is as strong as it is dangerous. The paradox is that seeing these things truly invites us to lay them aside, which actually leads to our best life. Jesus had a strong place at the right hand of God and gave it up to be a man. He did...

In this episode, we begin our brief series on The Book of Philippians. The beginning of Philippians is all about developing the right mindset. In order to live well, we must have a true perspective and consistent faith. Paul calls the Philippians to task for being too lazy, too apathetic. It is an incredible opportunity to live in the Kingdom of God, even in the midst of its challenges. Philippian...

The story of Ruth is one of the most beautiful and inspiring narratives of Scripture. Ruth is an example of character, courage, and faith. She takes big risks and embodies what it means to be faithful. This little story packs a punch, showing us all manner of mercy, kindness, and adventure. As a descendant of Jesus, this woman and this story are part of the greater narrative of God working in the...

Throughout The Book of Romans, Paul addresses the great paradox of faith. Belief requires a certain element of uncertainty. It is all about trusting in God. And trusting in Him leads to certain attitudes and behaviors. Obedience is a work of perspective and a work of action. In this episode, we discuss the complex relationship between faith and action. For Paul, the key is a constant reminder that...