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The PursueGOD Podcast

The PursueGOD Podcast

By Bryan Dwyer

Pastor Bryan Dwyer hosts the official podcast for the discipleship resources at pursueGOD.org.
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Grief - When You’re Taking a Loved One Off Life Support

The PursueGOD PodcastMay 16, 2019

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Unexpected Joy

Unexpected Joy

  • Families come together to share the joy of Good News.
  • With the arrival of Jesus, the Holy Spirit produces humble joy.
  • True joy results in praise and proclamation.

Find more at pursuegod.org/expecting

Dec 16, 202237:09
The Unexpected Pregnancy

The Unexpected Pregnancy

Talking Points:

  • It takes a divine messenger to help us understand the grace of God
  • A divine child requires a divine conception
  • A divine calling for ordinary people

Find more at pursuegod.org/expecting

Dec 09, 202237:30
The Unexpected Family of Jesus

The Unexpected Family of Jesus

Talking Points:

  • The ancestry line of Jesus shows us the storyline of the Bible
  • God invites sinners to be a part of His-story
  • People get to join the family of God because He became a man
Dec 02, 202234:33
Anxiety Over Finances

Anxiety Over Finances

The Problem of Too Little

For those who have too little in the bank, the Bible brings good news: God knows our needs. When financial stress hits our lives, it’s natural to feel that God has left the throne. Is he even paying attention? Does he even care? It takes faith to believe that God knows our needs. Paul had that faith:

Philippians 4:19 (NLT) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

If there was one person qualified to testify to the fact that God knows and meets our needs, it was Paul. Three times shipwrecked; frequent journeys in dangers from rivers, robbers, countrymen; dangers in the city, in the wilderness, on the sea; in labor and hardship through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure (2 Corinthians 11:25-30). And yet he testifies that God took care of his needs. Paul lived and experienced what Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 6:31-34 (NLT) So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs…. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. The Problem of Too Much

The second challenge is for those on the other end of the spectrum. Paul learned how to live with both nothing and everything, and he makes the inference that he had to learn how to be content with both. He realized that there are real dangers in having more than we need. Proverbs gives us a clear warning:

Proverbs 30:7-9 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

Having too much can lead to denying our Lord; and that should make us anxious! Jesus tells us how this can become the case:

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. The Generosity Paradox

So what can you practically do to release the grip of money on your heart? The answer is the same for both ends of the spectrum, whether you have too little or too much: be generous.

When you’re generous in spite of your struggling bank account, you’re acting in faith that God knows your needs. That’s not to say you should recklessly give away all of your money! But if you are faithful with little, God will trust you to be faithful with a little more. That’s what happened with the church in Macedonia:

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

If we try to hang on to everything we have, we will be assured of great anxiety. When we practice the spiritual discipline of giving – depending on the one who knows our needs – we will suddenly find freedom from financial anxiety. Generosity releases the grip of money on your heart – whether you have too little or too much.

Nov 25, 202243:52
When People Make You Anxious

When People Make You Anxious

Philippians 4 is the anxiety chapter of the Bible. The most famous verses are 6 and 7, where Paul reveals the secret of replacing the anxiety cycle with the peace cycle. Verse 8 explains how to overcome ruinous rumination by fixing your thoughts on better things. But all of this comes in the shadow of perhaps the most obscure verses in the entire book:

Philippians 4:2-3 (NLT) Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News.

Paul is referencing here another type of anxiety all too common in the church and in our homes: relational anxiety. Apparently these two women had a serious disagreement. To Paul, it was a big enough deal that he included it in scripture! It should be a big deal to us as well. So let’s talk about four practical steps to settling disagreements and overcoming relational anxiety.

Commit to being a peace-maker.

Every family and organization has a set of core values, whether they are plastered on walls or simply embedded in the hearts and minds of the members. The early church was no different, and one of its values is summarized best here:

Romans 12:17 (NLT) Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Put yourself in their shoes.

So how do you start? What’s the first step in biblical reconciliation? Try this: put yourself in their shoes. Resist the urge to get in your box and point fingers. Follow the example of Christ:

Philippians 2:4 (NLT) Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

This is hard and unnatural. Who does this? By nature we’re all trained to think about conflict from our own perspectives. We give ourselves the benefit of the doubt and we extend little grace to others. They do the same thing to us, and the disagreement only gets more unsettling.

So try this instead: think about it from their perspective. Play over the conversation in your head and try to articulate the problem in their words. How would you feel in their position? Stop fixating on what they’ve done wrong. Look in the mirror instead. Pray this prayer:

Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Talk to them, not about them.

In conflict, it’s far easier to talk about someone than it is to talk directly to them. When you gossip, you seek out someone who will take your side. You triangulate and look for a “yes man” who will confirm that you’re right and the other person is wrong.

But as soon as you do this, you’re wrong. Even if you were right to start with.

It’s called the “Matthew 18 Protocol,” and it comes straight from the mouth of Jesus. It’s a principle for dealing with conflict that very few Christians apply to their relationships.

Matthew 18:15-16 If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again…. Be ready to absorb the offense.

Sometimes the Matthew 18 Protocol opens the door to a miracle. Both people hear each other out. Apologies are offered and hugs are exchanged. The disagreement is settled! But sometimes it doesn’t work. The hardest part of reconciliation is when it doesn’t go as planned.


Nov 18, 202244:16
When Your Thoughts Run Wild

When Your Thoughts Run Wild

Anyone who struggles with anxiety needs to get a grip on the concept of “rumination”. Here’s how Oxford defines the concept: “a deep or considered thought about something.” The alternative definition is more graphic: “the action of chewing the cud.” Rumination is when your mind chews on something over and over, like a cow constantly chewing the cud. And it’s a classic symptom of anxiety.

Maybe that’s what Paul is addressing in his famous “anxiety chapter” in the Bible:

Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

This is healthy, godly rumination – the kind that leads to peace. The opposite is worldly rumination, and that’s the kind that leads to anxiety. But before we drill down on the difference, let’s take a detour to learn how the mind works.

A Beautiful Mind

The brain is a complex organ. God designed it, and scientists are still trying to figure out how it works. When it comes to its impact on anxiety, authors Catherine Pittman and Elizabeth Karle make an interesting observation:

Many people believe that certain situations are the cause of their anxiety, but anxiety always begins in the brain, not with the situation. Anxiety is a human emotion, produced by the human brain, and emotions are caused by the brain’s reaction to situations, not the situations themselves.

So how exactly does the brain react to fearful situations? There seem to be two pathways. The logical pathway involves the cortex. If your anxiety is connected to a conscious memory or thought, the cortex is where it starts. Once the information hits the amygdala, that’s when you actually feel anxious.

But for some types of anxiety there’s a shortcut. Amygdala-based anxiety skips the cortex altogether, traveling the pathway from the thalamus directly to the amygdala. This type of anxiety can be especially frustrating, because you’re not sure where it’s coming from or how it got triggered.

Redirect Your Thoughts

Enter the biblical solution. Long before science understood the cortex and amygdala, Paul offered a solution to the rumination that can drive us all crazy. Let’s look at it again:

Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Paul is offering a solution that even modern psychologists would approve of: redirect your thoughts. Recognize the overreaction of the amygdala, and engage your cortex to activate the solution. Paul tells us to fix our thoughts on better things.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Then what? What happens after your get your thoughts right? Paul gives a simple answer:

Philippians 4:9 (NLT) Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

This was more than a philosophy for Paul. He was actually living it, and he’s inviting you to live it too. When you win the battle in your mind, you can win it in your everyday life. God made your beautiful mind, and you can learn to bring it into submission to him. “Then the God of peace will be with you.”

Nov 11, 202250:03
Why Control Freaks Get So Anxious

Why Control Freaks Get So Anxious

Anxiety has reached epidemic proportions in our culture, and it might have to do with the “illusion of control” that technology has given us. We can reach anyone, anytime at the touch of a button. (And worse yet, they can reach us.) We have instant access to movies and answers and doctors. Like Pharaohs of old, we live in private palaces. And like God, we need only to speak to turn on the lights.

But it’s all an illusion. The truth is, we have no more control than the cavemen did before us. And that’s why, more than ever, control freaks get so anxious.

Re-defining Anxiety

Oxford defines anxiety as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” It’s clarifying to add one more phrase to the end of that definition: “...that you can’t control”. The imminent event isn’t the problem. The reason we’re so scared is because we’re not in control.

For some people, this is a new insight. It’s the revelation, the new sense of out-of-controlness, that usually brings on the panic. The anxiety chapter in the Bible (Philippians 4) offers a surprising antidote to this problem, tailored just for control freaks:

Philippians 4:4-5 (NLT) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

But we have a different problem today: we love our lives! We’ve created heaven on earth, and it’s uncomfortable (and unnecessary) to think about eternity. We hear “The Lord is coming soon…” and we think, “Am I ready? Will I make the cut?” For many of us today, the phrase causes dread!

Anxiety as a Thorn

That’s the beautiful thing about anxiety. It’s a warning sign, a wake-up call. It brings us back down to earth, and it reminds us of the reality of our condition. We are not in control. We need to re-establish our reliance upon God.

Paul learned this lesson for himself and passed it on the the church in Corinth:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Anxiety makes you feel “less than” and opens you up to vulnerability. It shows your weakness. And guess what? That’s a good thing! This thorn in the flesh opens the door to a work of God in and through you.

Who’s on the Throne?

Because here’s the question we’ll all have to answer one day: who is on the throne of your life? Who’s in control, really?

The prophet Isaiah had that question on his mind when the great King Uzziah died after 52 years on the throne in Israel. His reign brought peace and prosperity like the nation hadn’t known since the times of King David (2 Chronicles 26). Life was good, and then Uzziah diedii. That’s when Isaiah had his spectacular vision:

Isaiah 6:1 (NLT) It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.

Rejoice in the Lord

So what’s the practical response to anxiety for a control freak? The answer is surprisingly simple, and it brings us back to the passage we started with:

Philippians 4:4 (NLT) Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

Nov 04, 202245:52
The Secret to Overcoming Anxiety

The Secret to Overcoming Anxiety

Everyone gets anxious at some point in life, and in today’s world anxiety attacks earlier than ever. According to the CDC, almost 10% of kids aged 3 to 17 were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder between 2016 and 2019 – almost 6 million young people! And this statistic only counts official diagnoses; the real number of kids struggling with anxiety is certainly far higher.

According to Oxford dictionaries, anxiety is “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” Students worry about friends and likes and the future. Adults worry about marriage and kids and finances. The pace of life is faster than ever, and humans were not designed to handle the speed. It’s no wonder that we’re all so stressed out.

Here’s how the anxiety cycle works: something triggers an anxious thought and you immediately stuff it. Avoidance works in the short term, giving you temporary relief from worry. But inevitably it leads to more anxiety in the long term, triggering the cycle all over again.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Overthrow Worry

Paul writes, “Don’t worry about anything…” Step 1, then, is to overthrow worry. This does not mean to stuff it, but rather to take authority over it. Recognize anxiety for what it is and get ready to overcome it. Reject its control over your mind and life. Choose not to get stuck in the anxiety cycle.

Replace It with Prayer

Paul continues, “...instead, pray about everything.” Step 2 is to replace anxiety with prayer. The enemy wants you to worry, so turn this tactic of his on its head. Here’s how: instead of letting your worries trigger the anxiety cycle, let them trigger prayer instead!

Verbalize Your Needs

Next, Paul gets specific: “Tell God what you need…” Step 3 is to verbalize your needs. Getting specific with God about what you need can be a great way to calmly and objectively evaluate your anxiety.

Thank God for the Wins

Finally, Paul says to “...thank him for all he has done.” Step 4 is to thank God for the wins in your life. Even in the midst of our scariest trials, there is still so much to be thankful for. When you are overcome with anxious thoughts and feel your worries are too much to bear, refocus on your blessings.

Oct 28, 202249:06
Men and Anxiety

Men and Anxiety

Talk about it www.pursuegod.org/men

Oct 25, 202201:06:17
Four Miracles In the Book of Jonah

Four Miracles In the Book of Jonah

When you think about the miracles in the book of Jonah, your mind may immediately go to the great fish and Jonah being kept alive in its belly for three days and three nights before being spit out on the beach.  That is a powerful miracle, but we see several others that show up in the story prior to that.

It’s a Miracle that God spoke to Jonah

It’s a miracle that God spoke to Jonah.  That certainly can’t be explained by natural or scientific laws.  It’s a miracle that God would want to speak to us and that he invites us to communicate with him. I think for those of us who grew up in the church and grew up reading our Bible, we can sometimes take for granted that God speaks to us.  It is a miracle every time God speaks. God spoke the world into existence. When God says something, it happens.

Isaiah 55:11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. It’s a Miracle that God Controlled the Storm

This storm that Jonah found himself in wasn’t just bad timing.  It was no coincidence.  We read in Jonah chapter 1 that God hurled a powerful wind over the sea, causing a violent storm.  God’s control over the weather and over the sea is amazing to us, but it carried even more power and symbolism in Jonah’s day.  In many pagan religions of the time, the sea was synonymous with chaos. There was this close connection between the sea being chaotic and untamable, but it’s not untamable to God.

Job 38:8-11 Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness? For I locked it behind barreled gates, limiting its shores. I said, ‘This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop.’ It’s a Miracle God provided the fish Jonah 1:17 says, “ The Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah.”   We also see God use the worm in chapter 4 to eat the gourd that had been providing shade to Jonah.  We see the full spectrum of animals here; from a tiny worm to a huge fish.  All of the animal kingdom, from the least to the greatest is subject to God’s authority.

We actually see God using animals throughout scripture.  He caused a ram to be caught by its horns in a thicket so that Abraham could use it in place of Isaac. He used Baalam’s donkey to keep him from going and cursing the Israelites.  He brought in flocks of quail to feed the people in the desert.  In the New Testament, he used a fish with two coins in its mouth to pay the temple tax.  These are just more examples of God’s sovereignty over all creation. God reminds us in the book of Job about his authority over the animal kingdom.

It’s a miracle that the fish couldn’t contain Jonah

Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, but then at God’s command, the fish spit him out.  If you’re skeptical and think, “There’s no way that could happen.”, you might be right under normal circumstances.  But Jonah is a story about the God of miracles.  And keeping Jonah alive in the belly of the fish, or resuscitating him, would be an easy feat for the God who spoke the world into existence, controlled the seas and storm, and controlled the animals.

The grave couldn’t contain Jesus

Matthew 12:39-40 39 But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.

Oct 21, 202231:30
The Return of Christ (Systematic Theology Part 12)

The Return of Christ (Systematic Theology Part 12)

Today we're finishing our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on the return of Christ.

All believers agree that Jesus will return to this earth. He taught this (Matt 24:27), and the writings of the New Testament expand on what Jesus said.

The New Testament uses several terms to describe Jesus’ return. The word “parousia” means “presence” or “coming” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; James 5:7-8). “Apocalypsis” means “unveiling” or “disclosure” (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:7), as when Jesus will will be fully revealed to the world. “Epiphaneia” means “appearing,” focusing on the visibility of Christ’s return (1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:8). The return of Christ is also referred to as “the day of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 1:14), “the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10), or simply as “the day” (Hebrews 10:25).

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Oct 18, 202247:27
The Most Embarrassing Chapter in the Bible

The Most Embarrassing Chapter in the Bible

God called Jonah to preach to the enemy nation of Israel, which he finally did in the previous chapter. But instead of destroying Ninevah like Jonah warned, God ended up sparing the city because of their repentance. That’s when Jonah lost it.

Jonah 4:1-3 (NLT) This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the LORD about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, LORD? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, LORD! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”

Consider Jonah’s attitude change from chapter 2 to chapter 4. When he was desperate and in the dark, Jonah humbly vowed to go God’s way. Now that Ninevah’s in the hot seat instead of him, he’s furious that God isn’t meeting his expectations. It’s embarrassing when your attitude toward God gets exposed.

The truth is, we love it when God lets us off the hook… and we hate it when he does it for our enemies. This proves how little we really understand God’s mercy and grace. That’s embarrassing.

Jonah 4:4 (NLT) The LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”

God is patiently trying to help Jonah understand the extent of his mercy. Jesus did the same thing in his parable of the vineyard workers. The landowner invited additional laborers at different times during the work day, but at the end of the story he paid them all the same wage. When the early workers got angry, the landowner defended his actions:

Matthew 20:13 (NLT) He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’

There’s something in most of us that really hates this parable. It pushes against our idea of justice. It doesn’t seem right. That’s exactly how Jonah felt about the situation in Ninevah.

Jonah was a slow learner, so God used an object lesson to try to get his point across.

Jonah 4:5 (NLT) Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city.

Jonah is overlooking the city, waiting for the fireworks show. He hoped against hope that God would follow through on his threat after all. He knew about Sodom and Gomorrah, and he wanted an encore of the fire-and-brimstone God.

Jonah 4:6 (NLT) And the LORD God arranged for a leafy plant to grow there, and soon it spread its broad leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant.

Jonah waited, comfortable enough to camp out for the night under God’s protection (Psalm ‭121:5-6‬). The next day brought a rude awakening:

Jonah 4:7-8 But God also arranged for a worm! The next morning at dawn the worm ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. And as the sun grew hot, God arranged for a scorching east wind to blow on Jonah. The sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed.

Finish the story by going to the topic at pursuegod.org/jonah.


Oct 14, 202245:03
What Happens After We Die (Systematic Theology Part 11)

What Happens After We Die (Systematic Theology Part 11)

Today we're discussing part 11 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on what happens after we die. Upon death, every human being is destined either to eternal glory in heaven or eternal torment in hell.

All organisms die. But human beings have the unique ability to be aware of their path toward death and to reflect upon it. While death is inescapable (Psalm 89:48), our personal existence does not end with death. In fact, the decisions people make in this life will govern their future condition eternally. This calls for care and diligence.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Oct 11, 202247:27
The God of Second Chances

The God of Second Chances

If God has called you to do something and you’ve found yourself hesitating or even running like Jonah did, He not only wants to do something through you, he wants to do something in you. He wants to grow your faith. He wants to help you come to a greater understanding of his goodness and his great love for you. Maybe he’s trying to help you understand in a deeper way just how much you need him. Whatever it is, God is not giving up on you.

It really shouldn’t surprise us that God gave Jonah a second chance. It’s just part of his nature. He longs to forgive. He seeks to redeem and reconcile. It shouldn’t have surprised Jonah, either. Jonah knew how many second chances God had given the nation of Israel. Time after time we see God’s people rebel and worship idols. Disaster comes upon them and they cry out to God. God comes in and rescues them. Shortly after they start to drift away again. Disaster overtakes them, they cry out, God steps in. It’s like a bad record that just keeps repeating.

God’s Message is Simple and Powerful

Jonah 3:4 On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: “Forty Days from now Nineveh will be destroyed.

That’s the message? All of this running away was over that? Seems like a whole lot of drama over a simple message. These words probably weren’t the only words Jonah spoke, but they were the central theme of the message. It wasn’t an eloquent message filled with persuasive words. Jonah simply passed on the very words God had directed him to deliver. The words of God are powerful! With his words, God spoke the universe into existence. The words of God have all the power they need.

Notice, too, that this was a message of judgment and destruction. This wasn’t a message about how much God loved the city of Nineveh. Yes, God is a God of love. Yes, he’s compassionate and merciful. Yes, his grace is amazing! But God is also just. He is holy. He hates sin and one day all of those who die without putting their faith in Jesus are going to face his judgment. And if we love those people, we need to let them know that.

1 Corinthians 1:18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

The apostle Paul knew the power of God’s simple message. He said the cross is foolish to those headed for destruction, but for we who are being saved it is the very power of God. He worked to keep his message simple and centered around Jesus and the cross.

Jonah was emboldened by this simple yet powerful message. He shouted it to the crowds. He wasn’t hesitant this time around. He didn’t walk around whispering this message in the shadows or speak it in code. He spoke exactly what God had told him to speak and he made the most of his second chance. As unlikely is it may have seemed, the people of Nineveh responded.

Every Generation gets to make its own choice

The Assyrians were the last people you would expect to repent. They were known for their brutality and violence. In a time where torture was commonplace, the Assyrians turned it up a notch. They would have mass executions by impalement. They were known to skin conquered people alive and then hang their skins up on the city wall as a reminder to anyone who might want to disobey. But in spite of all this, they repented at the preaching of Jonah. God’s Word penetrated their heart.

Jonah 3:5 (NLT) The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.


Oct 07, 202230:59
The Church in Biblical Theology (Systematic Theology Part 10)

The Church in Biblical Theology (Systematic Theology Part 10)

Today we're discussing part 10 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on the Church. The church is neither a building nor an organization. It is a people, the community of all those who stand in a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The New Testament Greek word for “church” is ekklesia, which means “the assembly of those called out” - called out by the proclamation of the gospel to gather around Christ. This church exists in two aspects. The visible or local church takes shape in many forms in specific places and cultures (Acts 13:1; Acts 15:41; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 9:31). Yet even in its vast diversity, Jesus’ church is one. The invisible or universal church is the body of all believers everywhere and through all time (Hebrews 12:22-23). No single visible expression of the church encompasses the universal whole.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Oct 04, 202252:26
When Jonah Prayed

When Jonah Prayed

Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of that fish – a perfect metaphor for hitting rock bottom in life. It was there that Jonah was able to reflect on his choices. His prayer is recorded for us in Jonah chapter 2, and it’s an example of how we should pray when our choices leave us in a dark place. Let's break it down into three steps.

Step 1: Admit

The first step is to admit the trouble you’re in. This might seem obvious, but it’s a classic move for troublemakers in every generation. Even the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous start with an admission: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.”

It’s not clear why Jonah suddenly got honest about his situation. Maybe it was the nagging sense of guilt that follows disobedience. Perhaps it was the panic that comes with a near-death experience. Or possibly Jonah was simply claustrophobic. Whatever the case, he prayed:

Jonah 2:2-6 He said, “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble.... I called to you from the land of the dead... I sank beneath the waves.... I sank down to the very roots of the mountains...."

Jonah took an inventory, and he acknowledged that he was in a dark place. He got specific, and he even wrote it down. He was done with denial, and that was the beginning of his victor

Jonah 2:3- "You threw me into the ocean depths.... buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, ‘O LORD, you have driven me from your presence.'"

Jonah knew that the storm was the catalyst for God’s hand of discipline. And instead of railing against God for it, he simply acknowledged it. He knew that God was treating him like a son, and he deserved what was coming to him.

Sometimes God has no choice but to discipline us. It’s never fun, but it's always for our good.  For some people, rock bottom is the only place they’ll look up – and admit the trouble they’re in.

Step 2: Affirm

The second step in our rock-bottom prayer is to affirm who God is – and that he’s able to save. The twelve steps say it like this: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” For a Christian that “Power” has a name – the Lord. Jonah knew it too:

“I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me! ... I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But you, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death!"

Jonah affirms three things about God in his prayer: “he answered me,” “he heard me,” and he “snatched me from the jaws of death!” Jonah’s “great trouble” caused him to run toward God instead of running away from him.

Take a careful look at Jonah 2 and here’s what you’ll find: Jonah never mentions the fish in his prayer. Instead, he mentions “Sheol” – the Hebrew place of the dead. Surely Jonah expected to drown when he was thrown overboard into the raging sea. Down he sank, and then everything went black. 

Here’s the point: we’re not always aware of God’s rescue plan, even when we’re right in the middle of it.

Step 3: Align

The final step that Jonah models for us is to align ourselves with God’s plan. Remember: Jonah got into this mess because of his misalignment at the beginning of the story. He rejected God’s calling on his life and ran in the opposite direction. Now, at rock bottom, he finally makes the right choice:

Jonah 2:7-9 "As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone.”


Sep 30, 202249:53
Sanctification and the Christian Life (Systematic Theology Part 9)

Sanctification and the Christian Life (Systematic Theology Part 9)

Today we're discussing part 9 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on the Christian life. God’s saving work in an individual does not end at conversion. Conversion is only the beginning of a life-long process of transformation as Jesus’ saving work is applied in a Christian’s practical daily behavior and character.

The ongoing process by which believers become increasingly free from sin and more like Christ is called sanctification. Also known as “holiness”, sanctification has a definite beginning at conversion. We contribute nothing to our salvation. This is entirely a work of God, received by faith. But God’s work to progressively transform a Christian’s life requires our cooperation with the Holy Spirit, using the means God provides, to live out the new life and new identity that are ours through conversion.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Sep 27, 202243:19
When Jonah Ran

When Jonah Ran

The story of Jonah reveals so much about the character of God. We learn about the great extent of God’s mercy and forgiveness – not only toward Jonah, but also toward the Assyrian Empire. We see His justice and righteousness as he sends Jonah to a people to tell them to repent because their wickedness has come up before him. We see God’s authority and power as he creates the storm that eventually causes Jonah to get cast into the sea. And we see his sovereignty as he accomplishes his purposes, even if he has to use a reluctant prophet to do it.

The First Message

God’s calling to Jonah to go and preach a message of repentance in Nineveh wasn’t his first mission. Jonah lived in a time when the nation of Israel had been split into two kingdoms; the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Jonah lived in the north. The northern kingdom had been led by thirteen consecutive kings that did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and as a result of their consistent disobedience, they were suffering. God had every right to punish them, but he saw their suffering and was merciful. This is where Jonah first appears in the Bible.

2 Kings 14:25-27 Jeroboam II recovered the territories of Israel between Lebo-hamath and the Dead Sea, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had promised through Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher. For the LORD saw the bitter suffering of everyone in Israel, and that there was no one in Israel, slave or free, to help them. And because the Lord had not said he would blot out the name of Israel completely, he used Jeroboam II, son of Jehoash, to save them.

Like Jonah, sometimes we love God’s messaging. After all, the Bible is good news, filled with great and precious promises! But a pursuit of God doesn’t always serve up the message we want to hear. Sometimes God calls us out of our comfort zones.

The Second Message

Jonah’s next calling from God was a different matter altogether. This time God wasn’t calling him to give another message to the Israelites – but instead to a pagan, Gentile city.

Jonah 1:1-2 The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai, “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish.

This time Jonah was called to be the bearer of bad news. Instead of responding in obedience, Jonah ran – in the exact opposite direction of God’s calling! 

Like Jonah, sometimes we push against God’s messaging and we want to run. We want to accept the good news and reject the bad. We pursue God on our own terms, and when we don’t like what we hear, we run. And like Jonah, we can always find a boat going in the wrong direction.

Collateral Damage

Consider the scene from the sailors’ perspective. They didn’t invite Jonah onto their boat or into their story; he just showed up. Little did they know that this disobedient prophet would cause them great material and emotional loss, even to the point of risking their lives.

The Providence of God

The story of Jonah is a tale of incredible miracles, and here’s the most shocking one: a changed life. The sailors didn’t know God at the beginning of the story, and by the end they’re offering him a sacrifice of praise. Notice that they didn’t make a vow to God if he would deliver them; they did it because he had already done it.

Romans 8:28 (NLT) And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Sep 23, 202239:02
Elements of Salvation (Systematic Theology Part 8)

Elements of Salvation (Systematic Theology Part 8)

Today we're discussing part 8 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on the the elements of salvation. Broadly speaking, salvation is the application of the work of Christ to the life of individual persons. At its core, the word means “deliverance” - whenever a serious need or peril arises, and a person is rescued from that peril. In our relationship with God, the primary peril is sin.

This suggests that salvation has past, present, and future aspects. Some aspects of salvation have already been applied to believers. Other elements relate to God’s ongoing, transforming work in our lives. Some have to do with the life to come after we die. So our salvation is both complete and incomplete. in one sense. We possess salvation, in Christ, and nothing can be added to it. Yet we have not yet experienced everything promised to us in our salvation.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Sep 20, 202241:04
The Full Armor of God

The Full Armor of God

Spiritual warfare is a real thing, and the Bible teaches that Satan and demons intend to drive us away from God and his purposes for our lives. But God has given us resources to resist the devil and his schemes, and Paul calls it the armor of God:

Ephesians 6:12-13 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against ... evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.

The Belt of Truth

The soldier’s belt was the centerpiece of a Roman soldier's armor, securing the body armor and housing the sword's scabbard. For spiritual warfare, this centerpiece is truth. Remember - spiritual warfare takes place primarily in the mind, and Satan is the father of lies. Christians prepare for the fight by fixing the truth of God’s word firmly in our minds and hearts (Romans 12:2).

The Body Armor of Righteousness

The soldier’s body armor protected him from the neck to the upper thighs. For a Christian, this represents a lifestyle of righteousness that gives Satan no targets to exploit.

The Shoes of Peace

The soldier’s footwear – clearly the most boring item in this list – enabled him to get from one battlefield to the next. In scripture, feet were often connected to sharing a message, as Paul explained to the Romans:

Romans 10:15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

The Shield of Faith

A Roman soldier was equipped with a large oblong shield that covered his body completely. When a row of soldiers lined up side by side, their shields created an impregnable wall. That’s how faith works for Christians: it’s more effective in community.

The Helmet of Salvation

The soldier’s helmet obviously protected his head. If you’re a Christian, Satan will try to get “in your head” by lying to you about your worthiness before God. That’s what the helmet is for: the assurance of our salvation protects against the devil’s accusations.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

The Sword of the Spirit

The soldier’s sword was his only purely offensive weapon. Paul connects this final piece of armor to the Word of God. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible, in our hands, to drive off the enemy. The particular word used here suggests some specific portion of the Bible particularly applied to a given situation. For example, when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus answered with specific quotes from the Bible. Learn where to find those key verses that combat the temptations Satan normally fires at you. Memorize them so that you always have your “sword” ready at hand (Hebrews 4:12).

Sep 16, 202243:55
The Biblical Doctrine of Atonement (Sytematic Theology Part 7)

The Biblical Doctrine of Atonement (Sytematic Theology Part 7)

Today we're discussing part 7 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on the Atonement. When humanity rebelled against God, God’s love compelled him to act on our behalf to restore the relationship broken by sin. He did this by sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to make atonement.

The word “atonement” originally meant “at-one-ment” - or being in harmony with someone. In Bible translations, the word captures a multi-faceted concept reflecting several key biblical words. At its heart is the idea that human beings can be reconciled to God through the sacrificial suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Sep 13, 202237:24
Everything You Need to Know About Satan and Demons

Everything You Need to Know About Satan and Demons

We know from scripture that the devil and demons are real, but compared to many other topics in the Bible we have little information about them. You’ll find much more in scripture about the nature of God, salvation, and Jesus’ life and ministry than you will about the demonic. Here’s what that tells us: our thoughts should be occupied with God and his goodness a thousand times more often than about the devil and his minions.

Demons are fallen angels.

Demons weren’t created as demons, because God created everything good. Peter gives us the origin story about demons:

2 Peter 2:4 (NLT) For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment.

Some angels sinned, and God cast them into hell. That’s about all we know about how they got started on their destructive path, and it leads to our second thing:

Some demons are already bound; others are influencing the world.

2 Peter helps us to establish the first point. So does Jude 1:6. But clearly there are other demons who are not yet bound. They’re the ones wreaking havoc on the earth:

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

When we put these passages together, we’re left with one clear option: some demons are already in hell, others are free to influence the world. Jesus interacted with demons (Matthew 17). You and I might encounter them as well. But here’s the good news:

Demons have very limited power.

Demons don’t have divine qualities. They’re not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent. They can’t be more than one place at one time. They can’t read your mind. They can’t force you to do anything.

But demons can study and observe. They’re constantly looking for ways to get a believer off track. They know what presses your buttons. They know the trappings and sins you struggle with that you may have been able to hide from everyone around you. And they use that information to tempt you, to accuse you, to lie to you and tell you that God couldn’t love someone like you.

This isn’t to say that demons aren’t powerful or shouldn’t be respected. They just have no power when compared to the Spirit of God (1 John 4:4). And that leads to this truth:

Every Christian can fight demons.

You don’t need a pastor or a priest to do spiritual warfare. Any person who has trusted Jesus for salvation has the authority – in Jesus’ name – to deal with demons. Jesus’ early followers learned this after they came back from their first mission trip into the world:

Luke 10:17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”

Notice that this was a larger group of Christ-followers, not just the original 12 disciples. That’s probably why they were so surprised at the demonic response to their commands. These were regular Christians, just like you and me. The authority comes from the name of Jesus, not from the person speaking.

Demons cannot possess a Christian.

This last point about demons addresses a common question among believers: Can Christians be possessed? Here’s the simple answer: No. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit takes residence in our heart (2 Corinthians 1:22). There isn’t an empty house any longer where a demon can reside.

Read the rest of this article at pursuegod.org/warfare.

Sep 09, 202243:18
The Good News and Bad News About Human Beings (Systematic Theology Part 6)

The Good News and Bad News About Human Beings (Systematic Theology Part 6)

Today we're discussing part 6 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on humanity. While humans possess the dignity of being made in God’s image, humankind is also hopelessly ruined by sin.

The Bible presents the human condition as a paradox between two factors. God created men and women with great capacity and potential. Yet humanity rejected God and fell into a condition of great moral and spiritual darkness. In this world, human beings are defined by both.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Sep 06, 202236:07
Spiritual Warfare With the Flesh

Spiritual Warfare With the Flesh

What Is “The Flesh”?

When we identify “the flesh” as one of the contributors to spiritual warfare, we’re not talking about our physical bodies – although our bodies do suffer the consequences of sin. The flesh is a compulsive inner force within each individual which is in opposition and rebellion against God. Another way to say it is that humanity’s original nature is sinful and totally depraved. While men and women, boys and girls have the capacity to do good, the truth is that everything we do is tainted with our natural, evil will. We are spiritually “dead in our trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).

It all started in the Garden of Eden when the first human beings were created. They had an unbroken fellowship with God until they were tempted by the devil and made the decision to go against God’s command.

After the Fall, all of humanity fell under a curse as a consequence of this first sin (Genesis 3:14-19). Now this sin nature has been inherited by everyone. Our natural bent is to go against God, and as a result we are His enemies.

Romans 8:7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.

The Battle Within

When we trust in Jesus for salvation and the forgiveness of sins, the Bible tells us that we receive a new nature. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us as Christians and we are “born again”. This is when the internal war becomes palpable.

Galatians 5:17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

We have not one but now two natures battling inside of us for control. “The Flesh” remains a powerful opponent that will use footholds to develop strongholds in our lives. Satan knows our weaknesses and works his hardest to use them against us. Christians unwittingly open doors to spiritual attack by dabbling in sin and living in unrepentance. Paul gives us a list of examples:

Galatians‬ ‭5:19-21 ‬“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”

Winning the War

Even though the fight itself isn’t easy, the solution starts with simple faith. We need to consciously choose to believe the gospel – again and again and again. God has set the believer free from sins of the past, present, and future, but it’s easy to forget this during the battle with the flesh. The guilt and shame that the enemy uses has no power over those who belong to Jesus.

Romans 7:24 - 8:2 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord… So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Galatians 5:24-25 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.




Sep 02, 202246:34
Who The Holy Spirit Is and What He Does (Systematic Theology Part 5)

Who The Holy Spirit Is and What He Does (Systematic Theology Part 5)

Today we're discussing part 5 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on the Holy Spirit. As a divine person, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in fulfilling God’s salvation purposes in and among his people.

God’s immanence was expressed through the incarnation of Jesus, as God lived among humanity as a fully human being. His immanence is expressed through the Holy Spirit in a different way, as the Spirit takes us residence within the followers of Jesus and mediates God’s active presence in and among his people.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Aug 30, 202246:49
Spiritual Warfare With The World

Spiritual Warfare With The World

Spiritual warfare is something we all experience – and it happens more often than we think. The battle can involve the world, the flesh, and even the devil himself (see Ephesians 2:1-3). But the struggle doesn’t always happen out in the mysterious spiritual realm, somewhere far away and hard to see. In fact, when it comes to battling with the world, spiritual warfare is more ordinary than you might have realized.

What Is “The World”?

When we talk about “the world” in the context of warfare, we’re not talking about the earth or even the people who inhabit it. The world, aka “the world system,” is an organized system in opposition and rebellion against God. Ephesians 2 warns about “the course of this world.” Think of the world system as a current that carries you away from God’s will.

From the time Adam and Eve first sinned, the world has been working against God’s purposes for humanity. Satan himself is behind the world system, as Paul points out:

2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Most people are oblivious to the spiritual side of this world and the dangers thereof. If you want to win at spiritual warfare, you need to be aware of the dangerous pull of the world in all of its varied forms.

Footholds and Strongholds

The world establishes a foothold by putting ideas in your head that go against God’s Word. Over time, the more you buy into it, it becomes a stronghold – a place from which the enemy can set up a defensive position. Paul warns us to guard against this:

Colossians 2:8 (NLT) Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.

Worldly thinking dominates secular institutions and even infiltrates the church. Here are a few examples of bad ideas that are introduced to us through the world:

  • Social Media: Your value is directly proportional to your number of likes or followers.
  • Commercialism: You can only be happy if you buy this product we’re selling right now. (See 1 John 2:16)
  • News & Politics: Unborn children do not have a right to life.
  • False Religions: Follow our rules to earn yourself a place in heaven.
  • Progressivism in the church: The Bible is old-fashioned and talks too much about sin.
  • Relativism: Everyone gets to choose what’s right in their own eyes.

This list is just scratching the surface. Add to this list or create your own. There are countless examples of bad ideas planted in our head from the world around us. And this isn’t just high-sounding nonsense, it’s actually spiritual warfare! James gave this warning:

James 4:4 You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

Winning the War

The Bible teaches that the battle against the world is already won in Christ (Colossians 2:14-15). But how do we appropriate the victory for our lives? How do we tap into the victory when the world comes at us hard? We win the war with the world by exercising spiritual discernment in our everyday lives. Paul said it this way:

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.


Aug 26, 202243:46
Who Jesus Is and Why it Matters (Systematic Theology Part 4)

Who Jesus Is and Why it Matters (Systematic Theology Part 4)

Today we're discussing part 4 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on Jesus. As fully divine and fully human, Jesus’ identity uniquely qualifies him to be humanity’s Savior and Lord.

The New Testament attributes both divine and human properties to Jesus, but it never divides him into two persons. He is a single person with two natures: the divine nature that he shares equally and eternally with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and the human nature he took on in his incarnation. These two natures are united in his person without confusion, change or loss. Jesus is not part God and part human, but both are fully integrated in him..

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Aug 23, 202249:20
Three Principles of Spiritual Warfare

Three Principles of Spiritual Warfare

Have you ever engaged in spiritual warfare? If your answer is a hard “no,” you might need to think again. The truth is, spiritual warfare is something we all experience – and it happens more often than you think.

Spiritual warfare involves both everyday life and otherworldly battles. Theologians have historically described it in terms of three arenas: the world, the flesh, the devil. We’ll use this framework throughout this series, but for this first lesson we simply want to outline three principles that are true of all spiritual warfare.

Footholds and Strongholds

Spiritual warfare uses footholds to establish strongholds. According to the Oxford dictionary, a foothold is “a secure position from which further progress may be made.” Satan and his demons do everything they can to establish these footholds, and they’re more patient than you think. They know that small victories can lead to major destruction. Paul gives an example:

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT) And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

The devil knows that a foothold of anger can turn into a stronghold of bitterness and resentment. Oxford defines a stronghold as “a place that has been fortified so as to protect it against attack.” Footholds are about gaining ground, and they’re used when we're on the offensive. Strongholds are about protecting ground already taken - a defensive position. If you’re not alert to the footholds that the enemy wants to establish, you’ll be prone to allowing him to establish strongholds that are much harder to tear down.

[Related Series: Breakthrough Disciplines]

But what do these footholds look like? How can we stay on the lookout?

A Battle in the Mind

While the heavenly realm exists – a place with angels and demons and even Satan himself – it’s a mistake to think that spiritual battles are exclusively fought there. A close reading of the Bible tells a different story: that spiritual warfare is waged in the thought realm more than anywhere else. Paul explained it like this to the church in Corinth:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NLT) We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

“Human reasoning,” “false arguments,” and “rebellious thoughts” – these are all weapons that are used against our minds. Spiritual warfare is a battle for our beliefs, memories, insecurities, fears, and fantasies. Satan uses bad ideas to establish a foothold in our lives, and he’s been doing it since the beginning of time (Genesis 3:1-6).

The War Is Already Won

Now some of you are going to start looking for demons behind every bush. Don’t do it. Others are going to struggle falling asleep tonight. Have no fear. Though spiritual warfare is more common than you once thought, there’s good news for every Christian: the battle has already been won. Jesus dealt Satan the decisive blow at the cross:

Colossians 2:14-15 (NLT) He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Satan has already lost, but he still has the ability to establish footholds in our lives. The question is not IF we have victory in Christ, it’s WHETHER we will access the victory that has already been won. Our task is to come under the authority of Jesus, who is more powerful than Satan and all of his demons combined.

Aug 19, 202229:40
How God Interacts With the World (Systematic Theology Part 3)

How God Interacts With the World (Systematic Theology Part 3)

Today we're discussing part 3 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on how God works in the world.

God is a purposeful personal being, not a passive observer of the universe. But what does he do? Precisely how is God involved in the world? Humans can best understand God’s work by considering his relationship with everything he has made.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Aug 16, 202242:33
The Pursuit - Why Every Christian Should Make Disciples

The Pursuit - Why Every Christian Should Make Disciples

Today we're discussing part 10 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson and special guest John Swan. Jesus wants YOU to make disciples. It’s not something reserved for the pastors, and it was never intended to be just for the extroverted Christians who love to talk about Jesus. It’s for everyone in the church. Jesus wants disciple-making to be the norm, not the exception. That means YOU should start making disciples.

In this lesson we’ll look at three reasons why we should be on mission with Jesus and help others pursue God!

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Aug 12, 202244:56
What God is Really Like (Systematic Theology, Part 2)

What God is Really Like (Systematic Theology, Part 2)

Today we're discussing part 2 in our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Our focus today is on God's nature.

The Bible never tries to prove that God exists, but simply assumes it from the first verse (Genesis 1:1). In the Bible, God reveals himself to be a personal and relational being unique from any other. Let’s examine more fully what God is like.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Aug 09, 202250:14
The Pursuit - The Big 5 Spiritual Disciplines

The Pursuit - The Big 5 Spiritual Disciplines

Today we're discussing part 9 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson and special guest Tracy Dwyer. Paul says “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

In this lesson we’ll highlight five spiritual disciplines that will help you in your pursuit of God.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Check out this series for more on spiritual disciplines. https://www.pursuegod.org/breakthrough/

Aug 05, 202243:52
How God Reveals Himself to the World (Systematic Theology, Part 1)

How God Reveals Himself to the World (Systematic Theology, Part 1)

Today we start our 12-week Systematic Theology series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. 

Theology - the study of God and his truth - is only possible because God has revealed himself. Otherwise we could know very little about God. Thus the topic of God’s revelation is a good starting point for theological reflection. God has made himself known to human beings in three primary ways: general revelation, special revelation (the Bible), and self-revelation (Jesus Christ).

So the study of theology begins with God’s revelation. The Bible is how we know who God is, because the Bible reveals God’s mind, heart and will. It also reveals the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the highest revelation of God. Sound theology is built on what the Bible says as the final word about what we believe and teach.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/systheo/

Aug 02, 202250:38
The Pursuit - Everything A Christian Needs for Godly Living

The Pursuit - Everything A Christian Needs for Godly Living

Today we're discussing part 8 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson and special guest Tracy Dwyer. 

As Christians, we live to honor God. We have a new nature, but we have old habits that need to fall away over time. 2 Peter‬ ‭1:3‬ tells us that "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life." Three-legged stools need all three legs to stand. You’ll need all three of these things to live this new life that honors God:

God’s Spirit. We need a new power source, more than will power to honor God. The Spirit leads from the inside out, empowering us to honor God every day. Ezekiel 36:26-27

God’s Word. We need a new way to think. The Bible guides us and shows us the attitudes and actions that honor God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God’s People. We need a new community; we can't live this new life on our own. Other believers help us stay on the right track, both one-on-one and in the local church.

We started a relationship with God by grace, and now we live this new life by grace. All three legs of the stool are from God - pure gifts: His Spirit, His Word, His People.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at https://www.pursuegod.org/go/

Jul 29, 202238:21
The Pursuit - Everything You Need to Know About Baptism

The Pursuit - Everything You Need to Know About Baptism

Today we're discussing part 7 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. Getting to your defining moment of faith is more than the end of your old life; it’s the beginning of a new one! Baptism is a symbol of that new life.

In this lesson we’ll learn 5 reasons why Christians should get baptized. 

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Jul 21, 202239:27
The Pursuit - Getting Right With God

The Pursuit - Getting Right With God

Today we're discussing part 6 in our 12-week Discipleship series with host Bryan Dwyer and special guests John Belles and Eric Sitterud. The Bible teaches that we start a relationship with God by trusting Jesus for salvation. We call it "Saving Faith".

In this lesson we’ll learn that saving faith means having the right information and the right attitude.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Jul 15, 202232:27
The Pursuit - 5 Teachings About Jesus

The Pursuit - 5 Teachings About Jesus

Today we're discussing part 5 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson. What you believe about Jesus is the most important thing about you, because your faith - or lack thereof - is the one thing that impacts your eternal destiny.

Biblical Christianity doesn’t involve faith in a philosophy or an idea, but rather a person: Jesus Christ. So let’s make sure we get Jesus right by highlighting 5 teachings about Jesus.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Jul 08, 202235:30
The Pursuit - What the Bible Says About Sin

The Pursuit - What the Bible Says About Sin

Today we're discussing part 4 in our 12-week Discipleship series with host Bryan Dwyer and special guest Eric Sitterud. So far we’ve painted a pretty rosy picture of things: God wants a relationship with us, the Bible is a trustworthy source for learning about that relationship, and every human has intrinsic value as an image-bearer of God. So what’s the problem? Why do so many people feel far from God, and why is the world so broken?

In this lesson we’ll learn about the problem of sin - trusting and acting on our own opinions and feelings instead of God's truth.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Jul 01, 202243:31
Steps to Recovery 12 - Stay Awake by Helping Others

Steps to Recovery 12 - Stay Awake by Helping Others

Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/steps-to-recovery-series/

Jun 29, 202241:17
The Pursuit - How The "Imago Dei" Changes Everything

The Pursuit - How The "Imago Dei" Changes Everything

Today we're discussing part 3 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson and special guest Tracy Dwyer. Of all the things in the creation story (see Genesis 1), human beings seem to stand out the most. Read it for yourself: First God created day and night and land and sea. Later he created plants and trees, followed by fish and birds and animals. After all of this creative work, God declared that “it is good”. But he wasn’t done. On the final day of creation, after everything was in place and the whole world was prepared, God created human beings.

In this lesson we’ll learn why God said "very good" when humans were created. It's called Imago Dei “In God’s image”. 

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Jun 24, 202247:59
The Pursuit - Three Reasons To Trust the Bible

The Pursuit - Three Reasons To Trust the Bible

Today we're discussing part 2 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson and special guest John Belles. The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, and it’s unlike any other book written in history. It has changed individual lives and shaped entire cultures. It’s an ancient text that claims to have been written by God himself, and the proof of its reliability is surprisingly strong. In this lesson we'll learn 3 reasons why we can trust the Bible. 

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Jun 16, 202247:11
Steps to Recovery 11 - Pray for Power

Steps to Recovery 11 - Pray for Power

Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/steps-to-recovery-series/

Jun 13, 202257:09
The Pursuit - 3 Truths for Every Pursuit of God

The Pursuit - 3 Truths for Every Pursuit of God

Today we're discussing part 1 in our 12-week Discipleship series with hosts Bryan Dwyer and Ross Anderson and special guest Tracy Dwyer. God promises that those who make a genuine commitment to pursue him will find him. 

In this first lesson we’ll get a birds-eye view of what God is like. Many people think he’s harsh, judgmental, aloof. But the Bible paints a different picture of God. Let’s look at three truths about the heart of God.

Talk about this topic as a family, with your small group, or in a mentoring relationship by using the discipleship tools at Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/go/

Jun 10, 202248:19
Steps to Recovery 10 - Continue To Take an Inventory

Steps to Recovery 10 - Continue To Take an Inventory

Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/steps-to-recovery-series/

Jun 06, 202240:33
Love Your Enemies the Jesus Way

Love Your Enemies the Jesus Way

Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/jesusway/

Jun 03, 202235:03
Be the Bigger Person the Jesus Way

Be the Bigger Person the Jesus Way

Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/jesusway/

May 27, 202236:22
The Jesus Way of Saving Your Marriage

The Jesus Way of Saving Your Marriage

Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/jesusway/

May 20, 202245:57
Keeping Your Word the Jesus Way

Keeping Your Word the Jesus Way

Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/jesusway/

May 12, 202232:02
Steps to Recovery 9 - Spiritual Maturity and Emotional Intelligence

Steps to Recovery 9 - Spiritual Maturity and Emotional Intelligence

Talk about it: https://www.pursuegod.org/steps-to-recovery-series/

May 06, 202242:07
Radical Sexual Purity the Jesus Way

Radical Sexual Purity the Jesus Way

Talk about it: www.pursuegod.org/jesusway/

Apr 29, 202253:54