Conversations of Grace
By Nathan & Chris
Conversations of GraceFeb 01, 2023
Explained - the gospel in everyday life.
In this episode Chris and Nathan explain what the whole idea of this podcast is about! It's a bit meta, but actually there's some very helpful unpacking of the gospel and how it works.
Both Nathan and Chris each share some of their own story and how they came to experience God's grace in very practical and personal ways.
If you've ever wondered if there's more to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus than a transaction on a spiritual realm, but how it has power for you personally everyday beyond an inspirational event, then this episode is for you.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself. Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
Resolutions and the gospel
Happy new year and welcome to the first episode of 2023!
Our topic for this episode is (appropraitely) on new year resolutions and trying to see them through the lens of the gospel.
- Does what we believe about God shape at all the things we aim for?
- Is there such a thing as gospel-formed goals?
- And why are some of us so resistant to setting markers to aim for?
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself. Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
🎄 CHRISTMAS EPISODE 🎄 Should Christians do Santa?
Our first ever Christmas episode!! And we're tackling the most important issues...
* Should Christians do Santa? Or, What should Christians do with Santa?
* How much of a grinch are we??!!
* How does Jesus shape the way we celebrate?
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself. Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
How does God hear everyone's prayers?
**MINI-SERIES - 'Gospel conversations with our kids'
We’re continuing on with a family-friendly mini-series celebrating and exploring ways of having conversations about Jesus with our kids.
Our kids made a list of questions they'd like to talk about, including this one: How does God hear everyone's prayers?
We've all wondered this at some point... but what answers have you come up with? We came up with some and then talked with our kids about it. And it got deep. Our chat about prayer raised more questions like, 'What nationality is God?', 'What language does God speak?', and 'Can we pray for a pet monkey?' I don't know how well we answer the questions, but I'm glad to be at least be exploring things of God with each other.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself. Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
Do kids have to believe the same as their parents?
**MINI-SERIES - 'Gospel conversations with our kids'
We’re continuing on with a family-friendly mini-series celebrating and exploring ways of having conversations about Jesus with our kids.
Our kids made a list of questions they'd like to talk about, including this one: Do kids have to believe the same things as their parents? In other words, if your parents are Christians, how much should we try to force our kids to be the same?
There's lots of different ways of looking at this, and we definitely didn't talk about them all. But we're trying to apply the good news of Jesus in our thinking here, as well as the way we talk about it. Our hope is that in some way it encourages you to keep having these sorts of chats, or possibly feel better about the conversations you're already having! For some of you, we hope it encourages you to even have a try if you're not already. We're no experts, but we are keen to have a go and willing to let you join us on the way.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself. Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
Do Pets Go To Heaven??
We’re kicking off a new family-friendly mini-series celebrating and exploring ways of having conversations about Jesus with our kids, so naturally we start with a good old chat about death!? Oh dear, this could go anywhere.
We tackled the age-old question, 'Do our pets go to heaven?' AND then we talked to our kids about it, recorded it, and put it up here for you to listen. Our hope is that in some way it encourages you to keep having these sorts of chats, or possibly feel better about the conversations you're already having! For some of you, we hope it encourages you to even have a try if you're not already.
We're no experts, but we are keen to have a go and willing to let you join us on the way.
Trigger warning - we talk about death in this one, obviously.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
Loneliness and the gospel
What does the gospel have to do with loneliness???
Everyone goes through loneliness as some point - whether by ourselves or in a crowd, for a short time or a whole season. Sometimes it just feels like we're on our own.
The words of the hymn remind us, 'what a friend we have in Jesus', but how is it real? How can the gospel warm us beyond head knowledge when we are feeling isolated and alone?
This is what we talked about, and it was actually pretty encouraging. We hope you find it to be encouraging too.
**NEW MINI-SERIES COMING UP - check the start of this episode for more information and how you can take part.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
Should Christians be vegans?
Veganism.
Good or bad? Wrong or right? Personal choice or moral obligation?
Without a doubt this is a complex issue, but wherever you land, we think the gospel has something to say about veganism. And that's what we talked about. We hope it helps you think through your own opinion and start some good conversations.
Also, another fantastic 'What do you reckon?' segment!
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
Gospel centrality with Jared Wilson!
Jared Wilson joined in for a conversation!!
We were asking the question, 'Why does the gospel need to be the central message of the Church?', and so we asked the man who has written all about it in books such as 'Gospel Wakefulness', 'The Prodigal Church', 'Gospel Driven Church', 'The Explicit Gospel', and many more, to be part of our chat.
We talked all about what being gospel-centred means and why it is important. Jared has some super helpful explanations regarding some of the mechanics of the gospel, how we receive it as good news, and how it actually builds us up. There's a bit of nerdy preaching talk in there too.
If you want to learn more about how the gospel 'works', then this is a great episode for you. We pray you'll be built up as you listen.
Click here to check out Jared's books.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
Should Christians swear?
This is the final, final episode of the dirty words series. We had to do one on actual 'dirty words', ie swearing, or cussing, or however you mean it.
Is this even a question? Or has culture dragged Christians beyond even thinking about this?
Does God care if we use any old four letter words, or does He have better things to be concerned with?
And how does the gospel have anything to do with this topic??!!
Well, this is what Nathan and Chris talked about in this episode of Conversations of Grace. We kept it clean.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
If you like the show, please rate and review us on Apple podcasts so other people can hear about it too.
Can you miss your calling?
It's your destiny to listen to this episode... or maybe it's not... ?! Is that even possible?
Well, some things are meant to be. But how can you tell? And what about the big stuff - how do you know if you are doing what you're supposed to be doing? Can you get it wrong, and what happens if you do?
Nathan and Chris have all the answers in this episode.
Join us as we discuss good news about your future, the plans God has for you, and everything to do with 'calling'.
And of course, another instalment of, 'What do you reckon?'
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
Should Christians Be Nice? with Steve McAlpine
Super special guest episode!! Steve McAlpine (Pastor, Writer, Author of 'Being The Bad Guys') joins the guys to answer the question, 'Should Christians be nice??'
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
You can buy Steve's book here: Being the Bad Guys
You can read Steve's blog here: stephenmcalpine.com
Dirty Words: Doubt
Aaaaaaannnndd... we're back! Covid really got us sidelined there for a bit, but we're back and excited about it!
This episode we're talking about doubt.
- Is it okay for Christians to have doubts? Or does it makes us a bit weak if we do?
- How does Jesus respond to our doubts?
- And what about church - is it okay to talk about doubts in our communities that are based on faith?
Nathan and Chris have a bunch to chat through in this episode and have a lot of fun doing it.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
Dirty Words: Wrath
Another instalment of a mini-series on 'Dirty Words' - as in, words that should probably come up in conversation because they are important Christian themes, but they don't because they feel a little bit... dirty.
This week we're talking about an undeniably dirty word: wrath ("do you say 'wroth' or 'wrath'?")
In this episode Nathan and Chris get deep into wrath and justice and holiness and more. We hope this episode makes you want to talk about wrath too!!
PLUS!! The return of our favourite segment, 'What do you reckon?'
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
Dirty Words: Sin
Welcome to the first instalment of a new mini-series on 'Dirty Words' - as in, words that should probably come up in conversation because they are important Christian themes, but they don't because they feel a little bit... dirty.
This week we're talking about the dirtiest word: sin.
In this episode Nathan and Chris don't just discuss how we approach the topic of sin, but model a real life chat about sin in their life.
Have a listen, and then why not have a go discussing these things yourself.
Don't forget to say hi and let us know what you'd like to hear on the cog pod.
https://www.instagram.com/convosofgracepodcast/
Minimalism
Should Christians be minimalists? It feels like a Christian thing, but is it?
Nathan and Chris chat about how the gospel informs our view of 'stuff' and whether it leads us to a life of minimalism or not.
Plus, we introduce a new segment called 'What do you reckon?' Check it out and let us know what you reckon! (Especially about the segment intro, even though I already know the answer and you love it)
We hope you enjoy this conversation.
How do Christians grow?
We live in a time when we have never had more content and opportunity to grow in our faith. You're interested in a topic? There's a book for that. You've always wondered about how something works? A friend will point you to a podcast. If you can't find one, there'll be a course you can sign up for somewhere. But simply getting the content into us doesn't necessarily change us.
- So how do we grow?
- How does God change us, and how do we help make it happen?
- What difference does Jesus make to the way we think about growing up in Him?
Nathan and Chris chat personally about how they approach growth - including the bits they struggle with and the bits that they see working too. Enjoy grace!
Aliens
If alien life was discovered, would it change the way we think about God?
How does that work with God becoming... human? Can there be multiple incarnations for multiple life forms?
Is there any reason to doubt God if alien life was discovered?
If you've ever wondered about any of these things, or think it would be fun to for a little while, we hope you enjoy this conversation.
War
Included in the conversation today is a mini-conversation with a church pastor in Ukraine to share his first-hand response of what faithfully facing conflict looks like for him.
We don't claim to have the answers, but we hope this encourages you to have good conversations about the Bible and the difference Jesus makes to all of life.
Forgiveness... do I have to?
Do Christians automatically have to forgive everyone that wrongs them somehow?
This is the question for Nathan and Chris this week. It turns out, it's complicated.
Dealing with relational hurts is one of the most challenging parts of being a human. Nobody is perfect, so we're bound to get hurt at some stage, and probably do the hurting sometimes. So how do we work through that? This conversation is a stroll through some real life experience as well as some key Bible passages that just might bring hope and healing if we can be brave enough to believe the good news about Jesus.
Tattoos
LIVE! From Seven Saints Tattoo Studio in Melbourne, Nathan gets a tattoo while he and Chris discuss everything about tattoos...
Should Christians have them?
What does the Bible say?
Does it even matter?
Join us for a fun chat and deep dive into a Biblical perspective on tattoos.
Cancel culture through the lens of the gospel
Been cancelled?
Are you a canceller?
Is it okay to just be a silent observer or an innocent bystander as people are blocked out by action, or even just implication?
In this conversation Chris and Nathan chat all about how the Bible might speak to cancel culture, the dynamics of the gospel in those type of situations, and how they've cancelled or been cancelled in various situations.
Have a listen and then have your say with us on social media... just don't be a jerk about it.
If you want to comment, contribute, or just say hi, find Conversations of Grace on your social media channels.
Should Christians be feminists? w Hannah Craven
Hosts Nathan Oliver and Chris Swann are joined by special guest, Hannah Craven, to chat about these questions and uncover how the good news of Jesus can be understood and applied through a feminist perspective.
If you want to comment, contribute, or just say hi, find Conversations of Grace on your social media channels.
Should churches meet in segregated congregations (re vaccine mandates)?
We're living in complex times and sometimes the easiest thing to do is try and ignore the issues around us. But as Christians, if we believe Jesus truly is Lord, we must face the questions head on so that we can offer an answer for the hope we have. Our hope for this podcast is for followers of Jesus to embrace everyday issues, learn to talk about them, and let the Bible shed light on how we think about and engage with the world around us.
These conversations don't reflect all of our opinions. We know we're wrong a bunch of the time. But our heart is to grow in the gospel through honest dialogue. We hope you do too.
If you want to comment, contribute, or just say hi, find Conversations of Grace on your social media channels.
Is it ever okay for Christians to disobey the government?
We're living in complex times and sometimes the easiest thing to do is try and ignore the issues around us. But as Christians, if we believe Jesus truly is Lord, we must face the questions head on so that we can offer an answer for the hope we have. Our hope for this podcast is for followers of Jesus to embrace everyday issues, learn to talk about them, and let the Bible shed light on how we think about and engage with the world around us.
These conversations don't reflect all of our opinions. We know we're wrong a bunch of the time. But our heart is to grow in the gospel through honest dialogue. We hope you do too.
If you want to comment, contribute, or just say hi, find Conversations of Grace on your social media channels.
Season 3 trailer!
New format!
New co-host!!!
Check out what is in store for Conversations of Grace season 3!!
Fear and the gospel with Kristen Wetherell
Maybe it's because of the global pandemic we are facing right now, or perhaps times like this just make us aware of how out of control we truly are. But even before 2020 people were experiencing fear in forms ranging from completely debilitating life events, as well as less obvious subtle, nagging thoughts. How do you experience fear? Does the good news of Jesus have anything to say to that? Absolutely!
In this episode Nathan catches up with Kristen Wetherell, author of the fantastic book, 'Fight Your Fears' to talk about all these things. Kristen reminds us that God commands us to fear Him - the good sort of fear - and that it's the fear of the Lord that actually puts every other challenge into a perspective of Biblical truth. Kristen is so smart and so relatable as she faithfully points people to Jesus as the answer to our fears.
Hopefully this is an encouraging conversation for you wherever you are at today. Enjoy grace!
You can find Kristen's website with all the links, including her books here:
kristenwetherell.com/
You can leave a voice message for Conversations of Grace here:
anchor.fm/tcnd8989
On The Couch with Nathan & Amy - thoughts on depression, anxiety, and the gospel
Nathan catches up with Amy Oliver, his wife, to discuss some further thoughts on depression, anxiety, and the gospel. Tune in for an intimate conversation where Amy opens up about her past experience with mental health challenges and her reflections on hope in Jesus.
Please note, the content in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and you should always consult a GP with questions about your own condition. If you need to, please reach out and talk to someone about how you're going.
You can leave a voice message for Conversations of Grace here:
Conversations of Grace
Depression, anxiety and the gospel with Chris Cipollone
In this episode Nathan chats with Chris Cipollone, author of 'Down Not Out' about mental health matters such as depression and anxiety. With his own story as a backdrop, Chris shares a compelling view of how God gives help to those of us facing mental health challenges. You will appreciate Chris' honesty and vulnerability while actually offering a well thought through perspective on a topic that Christians and their communities need to talk more about.
Some of the questions discussed in this episode are:
- How do mental health issues and faith in Jesus coexist?
- What does it look like to practically love fellow Christians who are struggling with depression and anxiety?
- What difference does Jesus actually make to how we think about mental health?
I pray that you find this conversation encouraging and that it helps you continue on a conversation in the churches and faith communities you are part of. Have a listen and share it with a friend! Enjoy grace!
Please note, the content in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and you should always consult a GP with questions about your own condition. If you need to, please reach out and talk to someone about how you're going.
You can find Chris' website with all the links, including his book here:
chriscipollone.com
You can leave a voice message for Conversations of Grace here:
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Real life stories: Singleness and the gospel with Hope Miles
You can leave a voice message to Conversations of Grace here:
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Friendship and the Gospel with Kelly Needham
What is the purpose of friendship?
What does it mean for you to be someone's friend?
How do we develop meaningful friendships?
I pray that you find this conversation helpful. Have a listen and share it with a friend! Enjoy grace!
You can find Kelly's website with all the links, including her book here:
kellyneedham.com
You can leave a voice message for Conversations of Grace here:
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Real life stories: Marriage and the gospel with Dan and Tess Roberts
You can leave a voice message to Conversations of Grace here:
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Singleness and the Church with Kimberly Smith
You can find Kimberly Smith's website with tons of resources, including her book here:
Kimberly Smith
You can leave a voice message to Conversations of Grace here:
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Parenting and the gospel with Jerrad Lopes
You can find Jerrad's website with all the links here:
Dad Tired
You can leave a voice message to Conversations of Grace here:
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Sex and the Gospel with Patricia Weerakoon
Marriage and the gospel with Abe Meysenburg
"So much of what the world tells us about relationships is that the purpose of marriage is to find a partner who can help you be the best you that you can be. And if you can find someone who you can help become the best them, that's a bonus. But the Bible tells us something quite contrasting: marriage is not about you. Simple. Radical. Different. Our marriages are meant to tell a story about God. It's an illustration, a picture, a poem, a painting, a song... and it's not about us, it's about Him"
I hope this encourages you to think about marriage - and all relationships - in light of the gospel. Enjoy grace!!
Singleness in the Kingdom of God with Christina Hitchcock
If you'd like to leave a voice message go to anchor.fm/tcnd8989 and click message, or download the anchor app.
Don't forget to subscribe, review and share with your friends!
How to understand the gospel with Andrew Katay
Season 2 Introduction
If you're new to the podcast or would like to hear some of Nathan's story and how this has come about, then begin here!
C.O.G. host, Nathan Oliver, shares some significant moments that have shaped his view of the gospel and growth in living it out in the everyday stuff of life.
Conversations of Grace: Season 2 Trailer!
[Lockdown Parenting] Episode 8
[Lockdown Parenting] Episode 7
[Lockdown Parenting] Episode 6
[Lockdown Parenting] Episode 5
Nathan talks with Steve Hart about being a family of 8 long-term home-schoolers, and how he's growing as a dad during isolation. Six kids. Respect!
[Lockdown Parenting] Episode 4
BONUS: Nathan's kids come in to play '3 questions'.
[Lockdown Parenting] Episode 3
Nathan chats to Alice Prescott about daily routines, Barbie fights, and knowing her own heart as a parent.
[Lockdown Parenting] Episode 2
Nathan chats with Vanessa Mason about being a stay-at-home-mum learning to become a home-schooling mum, making adjustments to being way busier, and parenting through hard moments.
[Lockdown Parenting] Episode 1
Nathan chats with Brad Watson about colour-coded timetables, feelings check-ins, and what he's learning about being a dad during isolation. And Osmo. Don't forget Osmo!