Life to the Full: A Message to Christians: Recent Episodes
James and Patricia Zito
This is a podcast about the abundant life that God promises in scripture. We want to inspire those who are frustrated with themselves and/or their church communities to live a transformed life that will impact the world.
Our primary purpose is to be a platform that will impact the world through conversation. We want to invite others to connect and unite in curiosity, vulnerability, and responsibility.
A transformed life is about growth: learning and evolving. A transformed life leads to transformed communities, and transformed communities impact the world -- one conversation at a time!
In this episode of the Winter Gospel Series 2025, we dive deep into Luke’s birth narratives—not as sentimental Christmas tales, but as a radical reshaping of Israel’s story. From John’s birth breaking the silence of the priesthood to Jesus’ birth mirroring an inverted Year of Jubilee, Luke’s narrative is rich with allusions to the Tanakh.
We explore:
- How John’s birth echoes Samuel, Zechariah’s muteness reflects Ezekiel, and Elizabeth’s joy parallels Hannah.
- Why Luke’s census likely never happened as described—and why that matters for understanding his message.
- How the shepherds aren’t just humble evangelists, but a reworking of Israel’s history with Joseph and his brothers.
- What it means to let go of rigid “factual” readings and embrace the deeper truth Luke is telling.
Join us as we question, rethink, and rediscover the power of these stories.
🎙️ Subscribe for more episodes in the Winter Gospel Series 2025.
The church claims to follow Jesus—but do we even recognize Him when He shows up? In this episode, we unravel Luke’s Gospel to see how Mary is portrayed as the Ark of the Covenant, how Jesus embodies the Temple, and how Simeon and Anna saw what so many others missed. But what about us?
For centuries, the church has rewritten its own story—erasing its Jewish roots, weaponizing scripture, and turning God’s presence into a tool for control. High-control groups like the ICOC, ICC, and the broader Stone-Campbell Movement have taken this even further, twisting the Bible into a rulebook while ignoring the bigger story.
Luke wasn’t just writing history—he was placing us in the Temple, forcing us to ask: Do we recognize God when He moves? Or have we, like Israel’s leaders before us, become blind to His presence?
This isn’t just an academic discussion—it’s about reclaiming the real story before it’s too late.
Winter Gospel Series 2025
Luke - Mary Visits Elizabeth and the Temple
Season 2 - Episode 7
Luke’s Gospel isn’t just a new beginning—it’s the continuation of an ancient story. In this episode, we trace how Zechariah’s silence echoes Israel’s exile, how Mary and Elizabeth embody God’s renewal, and how Luke weaves the Tanakh’s grand narrative into his Gospel. What does this mean for a church that has lost its way? Can we see, listen, and be open to new life? It’s time to rethink what we thought we knew.
🎙️Subscribe for More: Be sure to follow for future episodes as we continue exploring Luke-Acts in our Winter Gospel Series!
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In this episode of ourWinter Gospel Series, we dive into the parallel birth announcements in Luke’s Gospel—the angelic proclamations to Zechariah and Mary. Many have been taught to read this story as a simple lesson in obedience: Zechariah doubts and is punished, while Mary submits and is blessed. But is that really what’s happening here?
We read both stories side by side, taking note of key details and asking the hard questions. Was Gabriel being unfair? Was Zechariah’s punishment too harsh? Why does Mary receive comfort while Zechariah is silenced? More importantly—what is the real message Luke is trying to convey?
This conversation sets the stage for something deeper: the way these texts are in conversation with the Tanakh. Luke isn’t just telling us a new story—he’s weaving together the voices of scripture, alluding to ancient narratives that shape how we should understand these events. If we want to hear the full voice of scripture, we must learn to recognize and engage in this intertextual dialogue.
Join us as we uncover the patterns, echoes, and deeper meanings embedded in this familiar yet often misunderstood story.
📖Passages Covered: Luke 1:5-38
🎙️Subscribe for More: Be sure to follow for future episodes as we continue exploring Luke-Acts in our Winter Gospel Series!
Support Our Mission:
https://www.ysuperstars.com/giving-page-podcast
What sources did Luke use to craft his Gospel and the book of Acts? How do these sources shape our understanding of Jesus and the early church? In this episode, we explore the origins of Luke-Acts, diving into ancient texts, oral traditions, and lost writings that influenced the narrative. But beyond that, we confront a deeper tragedy—the closing of the biblical canon. What voices were left out? What perspectives were lost? And how does this impact how we read scripture today?
Join us as we unravel the complex history behind Luke-Acts and challenge the idea that the canon was sealed without controversy.
🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ The sources behind Luke-Acts: Eyewitness accounts, written traditions, and more
✅ Why Luke’s methodology matters for understanding the Bible
✅ The lost voices of early Christianity and what they tell us
✅ How the closing of the canon shaped Christian history
📖 Book References:
- N.T. Wright – The New Testament and the People of God
- Richard Bauckham – Jesus and the Eyewitnesses
- Christopher Tuckett – Q and the History of Early Christianity
🔔 Subscribe & Follow:
Don’t miss upcoming episodes where we continue exploring Luke-Acts in ways you’ve never seen before. Like, comment, and share if this episode challenges your perspective!
📢 Call to Action:
What do you think about the closing of the canon? Should it have remained open? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Support us here at: https://www.ysuperstars.com/giving-page-podcast
In Episode 3 of our Luke-Acts Winter Gospel Series, we turn to the early church fathers to explore their perspectives on Luke-Acts. Who were these influential figures? What did they write about these two remarkable volumes?
Join us as we dive into the lives and writings of these early Christian leaders, uncover their thoughts on the authorship and purpose of Luke-Acts, and discover how their insights continue to shape how we read and understand these texts today.
This episode offers a fascinating look into the historical reception of Luke-Acts and the voices that have preserved its significance through the centuries. Don’t miss this enriching exploration!
Support us here at:
https://www.ysuperstars.com/giving-page-podcast
Welcome to Episode 2 of our Luke-Acts Winter Gospel Series! This week, we’re diving into the mystery of who authored Luke-Acts by examining fascinating internal scriptural clues. We explore:
The significance of the Theophilus dedication and what it tells us about the intended audience. The enigmatic "we" passages in Acts and how they may hint at the author’s identity. Three intriguing mentions of Luke in Paul’s letters—could they hold the key to unlocking this mystery?Join us as we piece together these clues and uncover the possible figure behind this remarkable two-part narrative. Don’t miss this thought-provoking exploration into the text’s origins and its hidden connections!
Support us here at:
https://www.ysuperstars.com/giving-page-podcast
We're back! After a long hiatus, our podcast returns as part of our yearly teaching series. This season kicks off with the Winter Gospel Series, where we'll take a deep dive into Luke-Acts. In this episode, I break down the large-scale structure of Luke-Acts, showing how the two books are deeply connected. We also explore fascinating clues within the text and Paul's letters that may reveal the identity of the mysterious author behind these volumes.
Next week, we'll build on this by looking at insights from the Church Fathers and examining potential sources that influenced Luke's two-part narrative.
Support us here at:
https://www.ysuperstars.com/giving-page-podcast
Welcome back!
After a short hiatus we are back with a brand new series!
In this series we will be taking a closer at the International Church of Christ's (ICOC) basic study series. This study series is considered foundational and vital to gaining membership in the ICOC. For many christians in the ICOC these studies are synonymous with the message of the gospel. For many this it the way a person gets saved, going from light to dark, entering into the kingdom, and going to heaven when you die.
We will take a closer look at these studies that are very near and dear to my own heart. When I first joined the ICOC over 20 years ago. I went through a study series very similar to one we will be going through. Though minor things have changed in the last two decades many of the studies remain relatively unchanged. Learning to read my whole bible and read it with better tools have lead me to question many of these studies over the years.
Join me as I go on a journey of deconstruction and let's take a closer look at the ICOC studies. Deconstruction does not have to be scary or depressing. In fact, this has lead me to read a text that is much more alive, with a God that is much bigger, and to live out a faith that is centered and rooted in love.
I am excited to share this journey of deconstruction with all of you, and I am looking forward to some great talks in the future bringing together former and current members of the ICOC for a discussion on the bible study series.
Enjoy!
Welcome back!
After a short hiatus we are back with a brand new series!
In this series we will be taking a closer at the International Church of Christ's (ICOC) basic study series. This study series is considered foundational and vital to gaining membership in the ICOC. For many christians in the ICOC these studies are synonymous with the message of the gospel. For many this it the way a person gets saved, going from light to dark, entering into the kingdom, and going to heaven when you die.
We will take a closer look at these studies that are very near and dear to my own heart. When I first joined the ICOC over 20 years ago. I went through a study series very similar to one we will be going through. Though minor things have changed in the last two decades many of the studies remain relatively unchanged. Learning to read my whole bible and read it with better tools have lead me to question many of these studies over the years.
Join me as I go on a journey of deconstruction and let's take a closer look at the ICOC studies. Deconstruction does not have to be scary or depressing. In fact, this has lead me to read a text that is much more alive, with a God that is much bigger, and to live out a faith that is centered and rooted in love.
I am excited to share this journey of deconstruction with all of you, and I am looking forward to some great talks in the future bringing together former and current members of the ICOC for a discussion on the bible study series.
Enjoy!
Welcome back!
After a short hiatus we are back with a brand new series!
In this series we will be taking a closer at the International Church of Christ's (ICOC) basic study series. This study series is considered foundational and vital to gaining membership in the ICOC. For many christians in the ICOC these studies are synonymous with the message of the gospel. For many this it the way a person gets saved, going from light to dark, entering into the kingdom, and going to heaven when you die.
We will take a closer look at these studies that are very near and dear to my own heart. When I first joined the ICOC over 20 years ago. I went through a study series very similar to one we will be going through. Though minor things have changed in the last two decades many of the studies remain relatively unchanged. Learning to read my whole bible and read it with better tools have lead me to question many of these studies over the years.
Join me as I go on a journey of deconstruction and let's take a closer look at the ICOC studies. Deconstruction does not have to be scary or depressing. In fact, this has lead me to read a text that is much more alive, with a God that is much bigger, and to live out a faith that is centered and rooted in love.
I am excited to share this journey of deconstruction with all of you, and I am looking forward to some great talks in the future bringing together former and current members of the ICOC for a discussion on the bible study series.
Enjoy!
Welcome back!
After a short hiatus we are back with a brand new series!
In this series we will be taking a closer at the International Church of Christ's (ICOC) basic study series. This study series is considered foundational and vital to gaining membership in the ICOC. For many christians in the ICOC these studies are synonymous with the message of the gospel. For many this it the way a person gets saved, going from light to dark, entering into the kingdom, and going to heaven when you die.
We will take a closer look at these studies that are very near and dear to my own heart. When I first joined the ICOC over 20 years ago. I went through a study series very similar to one we will be going through. Though minor things have changed in the last two decades many of the studies remain relatively unchanged. Learning to read my whole bible and read it with better tools have lead me to question many of these studies over the years.
Join me as I go on a journey of deconstruction and let's take a closer look at the ICOC studies. Deconstruction does not have to be scary or depressing. In fact, this has lead me to read a text that is much more alive, with a God that is much bigger, and to live out a faith that is centered and rooted in love.
I am excited to share this journey of deconstruction with all of you, and I am looking forward to some great talks in the future bringing together former and current members of the ICOC for a discussion on the bible study series.
Enjoy!
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar is our final seminar for the Summer of Scripture, and the summer of Saul (Paul). Hope all of you enjoyed the ride! Stay tuned for some exciting announcements coming for the the rest of 2021 and beyond!
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar continues our six-part series on the Book of Ephesians.
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar continues our six-part series on the Book of Ephesians.
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar continues our six-part series on the Book of Ephesians.
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar continues our six-part series on the Book of Ephesians.
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar continues our six-part series on the Book of Ephesians.
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar begins our six-part series on the Book of Ephesians.
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar is part two of a two-part introductory seminar to Paul. Join us next week as well for part two of our introductory seminar to Paul.
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This week's Sunday Seminar is part one of a two-part introductory seminar to Paul. Join us next week as well for part two of our introductory seminar to Paul.
Welcome to our first-ever Summer of Scripture!
This summer we will be doing a Summer of Saul (Paul). We will spend this summer getting to know Rabbi Shaul a little better. Known to most Christians as the Apostle Paul.
This episode is our introductory seminar where we invite our participants to embrace the Deeper Wells of Being a Life Longe Learner. Next Sunday we will be starting our introduction to Paul.
See you next Sunday!
In this episode, we get an opportunity to sit down with Lisa Johnson to continue our discussion in our Summer of Saul (Paul) series. This summer we will be getting to know Paul a little better by engaging in great conversations like the one we had with Lisa.
Hello Everyone!
For June's Podcast we will be sitting down with a very Special Guest Steve Johnson to have a conversation about Paul to kick off our Summer of Saul series.
Steve and his wife Lisa were instrumental in starting the NYC International Churches of Christ (ICOC), which is the church that Patty and Jimmy called home for many years. Recently we got a chance to meet with Steve and Lisa in their home Church of Portland Oregon.
Come and listen in on our conversation with Steve! Its a good one!
In this fun short episode, Jimmy and Patty test out their live streaming capabilities using their new tool called Streamyard. This is a recap episode where we reflect on everything that we have done, and remind people where to find us.
Please find some time to leave us an iTunes rating and review, and to like and subscribe to our Youtube channel.
Our next live stream will be a full shown and will be premiering June 30th, 2021 at 7pm (EST).
See you then!
Jimmy and Patty are back for their monthly episode. In today's episode Jimmy and Patty reflect on hosting their first ever BBB (Barbecue, Bonfire, and Bibles). They had a group of people over to their house where a a barbecue was prepared and shared, we gathered around the fire, and opened our Bibles together.
We used the BibleProject's Classroom classroom tools to gather around our bibles, learn, and discuss.
Check out the class we used here: https://bibleproject.com/course/eden-heaven-on-earth-mini-class/
We did it!
One full year of podcasting is in the books!
Jimmy and Patty close our the first year project by finishing with a discussion recapping the entire year long project, discussing biggest lessons learned, and plans for what comes next.
Check out our new instagram page to keep up with everything that will be going on with this podcast and our community.
In this episode, we begin our series on learning how to take a journey into scripture. In the next episodes, we will be exploring the bible together. There are three main types of literary genres that are in the Bible: narrative, poetry, and prose discourse. We will go on three 'short' trips by using Jonah to explore narrative, looking at some psalms to explore poetry, and a letter of Paul to explore prose discourse. Mastering these three types of literary styles will enable you to go on your own journeys into scripture, and to take others along for the trip.
We will use these episodes to close out our first year of podcasting. It has been a lot of fun getting to do this together, and we are looking forward to the plans that we have for year number two!
In this episode, we begin our series on learning how to take a journey into scripture. In the next episodes, we will be exploring the bible together. There are three main types of literary genres that are in the Bible: narrative, poetry, and prose discourse. We will go on three 'short' trips by using Jonah to explore narrative, looking at some psalms to explore poetry, and a letter of Paul to explore prose discourse. Mastering these three types of literary styles will enable you to go on your own journeys into scripture, and to take others along for the trip.
We will use these episodes to close out our first year of podcasting. It has been a lot of fun getting to do this together, and we are looking forward to the plans that we have for year number two!
Special Announcement: We have a youtube channel!!! All of these episodes will be accompanied by a video presentation. So follow this link to watch Jimmy take us on a journey together into scripture.
In this episode, we begin our series on learning how to take a journey into scripture. In the next episodes, we will be exploring the bible together. There are three main types of literary genres that are in the Bible: narrative, poetry, and prose discourse. We will go on three 'short' trips by using Jonah to explore narrative, looking at some psalms to explore poetry, and a letter of Paul to explore prose discourse. Mastering these three types of literary styles will enable you to go on your own journeys into scripture, and to take others along for the trip.
We will use these episodes to close out our first year of podcasting. It has been a lot of fun getting to do this together, and we are looking forward to the plans that we have for year number two!
Special Announcement: We have a youtube channel!!! All of these episodes will be accompanied by a video presentation. So follow this link to watch Jimmy take us on a journey together into scripture.
In this episode, we begin our series on learning how to take a journey into scripture. In the next episodes, we will be exploring the bible together. There are three main types of literary genres that are in the Bible: narrative, poetry, and prose discourse. We will go on three 'short' trips by using Jonah to explore narrative, looking at some psalms to explore poetry, and a letter of Paul to explore prose discourse. Mastering these three types of literary styles will enable you to go on your own journeys into scripture, and to take others along for the trip.
We will use these episodes to close out our first year of podcasting. It has been a lot of fun getting to do this together, and we are looking forward to the plans that we have for year number two!
Special Announcement: We have a youtube channel!!! All of these episodes will be accompanied by a video presentation. So follow this link to watch Jimmy take us on a journey together into scripture.
In this episode, we begin our series on learning how to take a journey into scripture. In the next 8 episodes, we will be exploring the bible together. There are three main types of literary genres that are in the Bible: narrative, poetry, and prose discourse. We will go on three 'short' trips by using Jonah to explore narrative, looking at some psalms to explore poetry, and a letter of Paul to explore prose discourse. Mastering these three types of literary styles will enable you to go on your own journeys into scripture, and to take others along for the trip.
We will use these episodes to close out our first year of podcasting. It has been a lot of fun getting to do this together, and we are looking forward to the plans that we have for year number two!
Special Announcement: We have a youtube channel!!! All of these episodes will be accompanied by a video presentation. So follow this link to watch Jimmy take us on a journey together into scripture.
In this episode, we begin our series on learning how to take a journey into scripture. In the next 8 episodes, we will be exploring the bible together. There are three main types of literary genres that are in the Bible: narrative, poetry, and prose discourse. We will go on three 'short' trips by using Jonah to explore narrative, looking at some psalms to explore poetry, and a letter of Paul to explore prose discourse. Mastering these three types of literary styles will enable you to go on your own journeys into scripture, and to take others along for the trip.
We will use these episodes to close out our first year of podcasting. It has been a lot of fun getting to do this together, and we are looking forward to the plans that we have for year number two!
Special Announcement: We have a youtube channel!!! All of these episodes will be accompanied by a video presentation. So follow this link to watch Jimmy take us on a journey together into scripture.
Enjoy!
In this episode, we begin our series on learning how to take a journey into scripture. In the next 8 episodes, we will be exploring the bible together. There are three main types of literary genres that are in the Bible: narrative, poetry, and prose discourse. We will go on three 'short' trips by using Jonah to explore narrative, looking at some psalms to explore poetry, and a letter of Paul to explore prose discourse. Mastering these three types of literary styles will enable you to go on your own journeys into scripture, and to take others along for the trip.
We will use these episodes to close out our first year of podcasting. It has been a lot of fun getting to do this together, and we are looking forward to the plans that we have for year number two!
Special Announcement: We have a youtube channel!!! All of these episodes will be accompanied by a video presentation. So follow this link to watch Jimmy take us on a journey together into scripture.
Enjoy!
In the first episode series during our winter season of Embracing the Journey of a Transformed Life, Patty and Jimmy begin their conversation on getting your Bible back. The Bible is a rich and complex book, and it is all too often not taken seriously enough by Christians. Learn how to see your Bible not as a heavy-handed rule book of do's and don'ts, but as a rich, diverse, and wonderous undiscovered country populated with themes and stories that speak into the heart of what it means to be human.
In the first episode series during our winter season of Embracing the Journey of a Transformed Life, Patty and Jimmy begin their conversation on getting your Bible back. The Bible is a rich and complex book, and it is all too often not taken seriously enough by Christians. Learn how to see your Bible not as a heavy-handed rule book of do's and don'ts, but as a rich, diverse, and wonderous undiscovered country populated with themes and stories that speak into the heart of what it means to be human.
In the first episode series during our winter season of Embracing the Journey of a Transformed Life, Patty and Jimmy begin their conversation on getting your Bible back. The Bible is a rich and complex book, and it is all too often not taken seriously enough by Christians. Learn how to see your Bible not as a heavy-handed rule book of do's and don'ts, but as a rich, diverse, and wonderous undiscovered country populated with themes and stories that speak into the heart of what it means to be human.
In the first episode during our winter season of Embracing the Journey of a Transformed Life, Patty and Jimmy begin their conversation on getting your Bible back. The Bible is a rich and complex book, and it is all too often not taken seriously enough by Christians. Learn how to see your Bible not as a heavy-handed rule book of do's and don'ts, but as a rich, diverse, and wonderous undiscovered country populated with themes and stories that speak into the heart of what it means to be human.
In the first episode during our winter season of Embracing the Journey of a Transformed Life, Patty and Jimmy begin their conversation on getting your Bible back. The Bible is a rich and complex book, and it is all too often not taken seriously enough by Christians. Learn how to see your Bible not as a heavy-handed rule book of do's and don'ts, but as a rich, diverse, and wonderous undiscovered country populated with themes and stories that speak into the heart of what it means to be human.
To close out our series on Facing Our Responsibility, Jimmy and Patty end their discussion on Entering Into Life by looking closer at the story of Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler. Is this just a story about giving something up, or is there something deeper going on. Using the bible as a moral teaching tool, and not seeing it for the grand epic narrative that it is has lead to much misunderstanding and needless suffering. Join us as we try and pick apart our bible and attempt to see what the Bible is really trying to say, and not just hear what we think it is saying.
Taking responsibility is the first step into entering into life. As Christians, we often think of people outside of the church who need repentance and salvation from hell. However, when Jesus talks about hell it is often couched in dialogue against corrupt religious institutions. Religious hypocrisy and calling yourself a child of God while living contrary to God's true purpose creates a sort of living Hell. God's purpose for Christians is not to be the moral police running around wagging their fingers and telling people what to do.
In this discussion, Jimmy and Patty talk globally about the Seven Woes, and how the culture we are creating in our churches is our true mission. Our mission is not to recruit the people of God, but to be the people of God.
In this episode, Patty and Jimmy end their discussion by reconsidering what Jesus meant by hell. Understanding hell in a context that takes into account the rest of the bible couches it in present reality versus an eternal destination after death Jesus is inviting us out of a sort of living hell (state of sin) into life to the full that can be experienced (in part) right now.
This begins the final set of conversations of our season of Facing our Responsibility and will set up the next conversation we will have starting in 2021 called Embracing a Transformed Life.
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty have a discussion about reconsidering what Jesus means when he talks about Hell. While the Bible does not talk a lot about Hell, most forms of Christianity seem to revolve around how to escape Hell and get to Heaven. In fact, most traditions have traded away the authentic gospel for what they see as a chance to escape eternal punishment in Hell.
Especially in our tradition most of the emphasis of sharing the good news with people revolves around warning them about the perceived reality of Hell and how to escape going to Hell. In this conversation, we seek to redefine Hell in light of what Jesus and the Bible actually seem to be saying.
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty have a discussion about reconsidering what Jesus means when he talks about Hell. While the Bible does not talk a lot about Hell, most forms of Christianity seem to revolve around how to escape Hell and get to Heaven. In fact, most traditions have traded away the authentic gospel for what they see as a chance to escape eternal punishment in Hell.
Especially in our tradition most of the emphasis of sharing the good news with people revolves around warning them about the perceived reality of Hell and how to escape going to Hell. In this conversation, we seek to redefine Hell in light of what Jesus and the Bible actually seem to be saying.
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty transition their discussion to talk about the gospel. Most people assume that the gospel is about how not to go to hell after you die. However, as we have seen in this discussion on Facing Our Responsibility the Bible is much more than a manual on how to get to heaven and stay out of hell. Many people live their entire lives without ever truly coming into contact with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Jimmy and Patty talk about their own journey of learning about the gospel for the first time as Christians, and how that journey of understanding the gospel is still unfolding.
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty transition their discussion to talk about the gospel. Most people assume that the gospel is about how not to go to hell after you die. However, as we have seen in this discussion on Facing Our Responsibility the Bible is much more than a manual on how to get to heaven and stay out of hell. Many people live their entire lives without ever truly coming into contact with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this episode, Jimmy and Patty talk about their own journey of learning about the gospel for the first time as Christians, and how that journey of understanding the gospel is still unfolding.
I’m this episode Jimmy and Patty continue their season of responsibility by continuing their discussion on what the Bible has to say about Heaven and Earth.
In this episode, Patty and Jimmy focus on us the church, and what role do we play in the reuniting of heaven and earth.
The narrative of heaven and earth is woven throughout the biblical narrative. It is of foundational importance to the Biblical authors. This can be very strange since most modern Christians seem more concerned with heaven and hell and where do we go when we die.
I’m this episode Jimmy and Patty recap their discussion on what the Bible has to say about Heaven and Earth.
The narrative of heaven and earth is woven throughout the biblical narrative. It is of foundational importance to the Biblical authors. This can be very strange since most modern Christians seem more concerned with heaven and hell and where do we go when we die.
In the next few episodes, Jimmy and Patty will talk about how their journey of reclaiming the true biblical narrative, and what this journey has done for their own lives.
I’m this episode Jimmy and Patty recap their discussion on what the Bible has to say about Heaven and Earth.
The narrative of heaven and earth is woven throughout the biblical narrative. It is of foundational importance to the Biblical authors. This can be very strange since most modern Christians seem more concerned with heaven and hell and where do we go when we die.
In the next few episodes, Jimmy and Patty will talk about how their journey of reclaiming the true biblical narrative, and what this journey has done for their own lives.
I’m this episode Jimmy and Patty kick off their season of responsibility by beginning their discussion on what the Bible has to say about Heaven and Earth.
The narrative of heaven and earth is woven throughout the biblical narrative. It is of foundational importance to the Biblical authors. This can be very strange since most modern Christians seem more concerned with heaven and hell and where do we go when we die.
In the next few episodes, Jimmy and Patty will talk about how their journey of reclaiming the true biblical narrative, and what this journey has done for their own lives.
We will be back in two weeks everyone. Next episode on October 21st we will be doing a lesson on Heaven and Earth. We are looking forward to seeing all of you then.
Welcome to the Armory!
Patty and Jimmy discuss Berne Brown's concept of Armored Leadership versus Daring Leadership. They talk about how specifically in a lot of church settings a misunderstanding of the scriptures has led to a culture an Armored Leadership instead of the Vulnerable Leadership that was modeled by Jesus and the writers of the New Testament.
In this episode the concepts we will be exploring are:
Armored Leadership: Propagating the False Dichotomy of Victim or Viking, Crush or be Crushed
Daring Leadership: Practicing Integration -- Strong Back, Soft Front, Wild Heart
Armored Leadership: Being a Knower and Being Right
Daring Leadership: Being a Learner and Getting it Right
Welcome to the Armory!
Patty and Jimmy discuss Berne Brown's concept of Armored Leadership versus Daring Leadership. They talk about how specifically in a lot of church settings a misunderstanding of the scriptures has led to a culture an Armored Leadership instead of the Vulnerable Leadership that was modeled by Jesus and the writers of the New Testament.
In this episode the concepts we will be exploring are:
Armored Leadership: Numbing
Daring Leadership: Setting Boundaries and Finding Real Comfort
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 23 and 24
Welcome to the Armory!
Patty and Jimmy discuss Berne Brown's concept of Armored Leadership versus Daring Leadership. They talk about how specifically in a lot of church settings a misunderstanding of the scriptures has led to a culture an Armored Leadership instead of the Vulnerable Leadership that was modeled by Jesus and the writers of the New Testament.
In this episode the concepts we will be exploring are:
Armored Leadership: Working From Scarcity and Squandering Opportunities for Joy and Recognition
Daring Leadership: Practicing Gratitude and Celebrating Milestones and Victories
Welcome to the Armory!
Patty and Jimmy discuss Berne Brown's concept of Armored Leadership versus Daring Leadership. They talk about how specifically in a lot of church settings a misunderstanding of the scriptures has led to a culture an Armored Leadership instead of the Vulnerable Leadership that was modeled by Jesus and the writers of the New Testament.
In this episode the concepts we will be exploring are:
Armored Leadership: Driving Perfection and Fostering Fear of Failure
Daring Leadership: Modeling and Encouraging Healthy Striving, Empathy, and Self Compassion
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 7:8-13
Jimmy and Patty continue their talk on the Six Myths of Vulnerability. A lot of church culture can mask our need for a truly authentic Christian community.
A fundamental misunderstanding of what the bible is has led to a serious movement away from authentic vulnerability by most churches. Most churches today are more concerned with rules, doctrine, and tradition, then they with dealing with actual human beings.
The Six Myths of Vulnerability Part 1
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty begin to talk about the Six Myths of Vulnerability that keep us from seeing our need for vulnerability. A lot of church culture especially can mask our need for true authentic Christian community by embracing some of these myths to various degrees. Vulnerability is a complicated topic that has not been adequately understood by most.
Jimmy takes some time to go through the six myths with some common misunderstandings of scriptures. He talks specifically about how he missed the point of many of these scriptures for years, and it was through learning to understand them properly that led him to see his own personal need for vulnerability. Learning to see some of your own needs for vulnerability by learning to see the six myths in your own life is a great first step.
While there is a lot of focus in modern church circles on the topics for the sermon of the week, for bible talks, and other scriptural lessons. Building an environment of vulnerability that fosters trust allows you to build the way Jesus and his followers built.
Vulnerability has been defined by Berne Brown as, the emotion that we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.
Episode 14: Make Space for Vulnerability
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty continue to talk about stopping and making space in your life, ministry, and church for vulnerability. Building and maintaining an environment of vulnerability that fosters trust is the hot topic in Christianity that no one is talking about.
While there is a lot of focus in modern church circles on the topics for the sermon of the week, for bible talks, and other scriptural lessons. Building an environment of trust that fosters vulnerability allows you to build the way Jesus and his followers built.
Episode 14: Make Space for Vulnerability
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty talk about stoping and making space in your life, ministry, and church for vulnerability. Building and maintaining an environment of vulnerability that fosters trust is the hot topic in Christianity that no one is talking about.
While there is a lot of focus in modern church circles on the topics for the sermon of the week, for bible talks, and other scriptural lessons. Building an environment of trust that fosters vulnerability allows you to build the way Jesus and his followers built.
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty continue their discussion of the Path and the Pattern.
The Path is how ministries, small groups, and teams can become healthy and functional. It is based on a foundation of trust and built through vulnerability.
Today we will be talking about The Pattern that is seen throughout scripture in the large scale narrative of the bible. This pattern repeats itself all over the place in the bible again and again. It is the narrative foundation that the overarching story of scripture is based, and it is what gives The Path its power and relevance.
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty continue their discussion of the path and the pattern. The Path is the journey to take a group from an unhealthy dynamic to a healthy dynamic.
Almost any team regardless of initial dysfunction can walk this path to becoming a great team. It all begins with someone being willing to admit that there is a problem and committing to walking the path to heal and restore their groups.
Make sure you download The Path Handout so that you can follow along with our discussion.
Episode 11: The Path and The Pattern - Part 1
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty sit down to continue the discussion about how the Five Dysfunctions of a Team Can affect our ministries through something we called the Upside Down Triangle. The Upside Down Triangle puts results-first and trust last. This "results-first" mentality, turns Christianity into a transaction based spirituality and reduces a relationship with God into a series of boxes to be checked off.
The pathway out of this transactional-based Christianity begins and ends with trust. We begin our discussion by showing how the pathway to healthy ministries starts with a foundation of trust.
In our next episodes we will be going up the rest of the path, and showing how this path is an echo of a biblical pattern that has reverberated through the scriptures and human history since the beginning of time.
Episode 10: A Foundation of Trust - Five Dysfunctions of a Team
In this episode, Jimmy and Patty sit down for their first episode in their summer season of Increasing Our Vulnerability. They are beginning their discussion by talking about the importance of vulnerability to build trust. They go through a highly influential model called The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, to illustrate the importance of vulnerability and trust.
In the final episode of the POV series we will be looking at what was Jesus’s Box, and how this entire discussion can help us to have better conversations.
As we conclude this POV series and the whole Listening spring season, we will be reflecting on how to use what we have learned to listen better on our journey to having the abundant life that God promises in scripture.
In this episode Jimmy and Patty continue the conversation in their Point of View (POV) series.
Taking a step backwards to see how our box fits into the larger box of the bible and church history is the next step in our POV series.
In part two of this larger box discussion we will be looking at the story of church history to see how our denomination or tradition fit into the larger story.
Graphs and Handouts!
In this episode Jimmy and Patty continue the conversation in their Point of View (POV) series.
Taking a step backwards to see how our box fits into the larger box of the bible and church history is the next step in our POV series.
In part one of this larger box discussion we will be looking at the overall story of the bible to see how our POV fits into the story.
Episode 6: POV - How to see our box
In this episode Jimmy and Patty continue the conversation in their Point of View (POV) series.
As followers of Jesus our church creed or statement of faith (SoF) can tell us about our box. Learning how to read it closely is very important for all believers.
This is a useful exercise in defining your POV, and learning to be aware of your box. Unfortunately most christians will never do this, and as a result are unaware of their spiritual bias.
Find our full show notes here:
http://ysuperstars.com/point-of-view/
Episode 5: Point of View (POV) What it is and why it matters
In this episode Jimmy and Patty continue the conversation in their theme of listening for the spring season of Life to the Full: A Message to Christians.
Having talked about the importance of asking better questions of the church, of the Bible, of God, and as leaders, they are moving on to another very important part of learning to listen: understanding points of view. Everyone has a point of view (POV) and that point of view shapes their reality. We cannot understand ourselves or others until we first understand our own POV and the POV of others.
In this first episode in the POV series Jimmy and Patty discuss what is a point of view (POV) and why does this matter.
Check out the full episode notes here:
In this episode Jimmy and Patty sit down to talk about how to ask better questions as leaders. Whether it is your job to be a leader, or you are a volunteer leader: it is your responsibility to learn how to ask better questions.
Being a leader at any stage (paid or unpaid) can feel like a lot of work. However, many leaders make this responsibility harder than it needs to be. Learning to ask better questions of themselves and those they lead is the key to thriving as a leader (not just surviving).
In this Episode Jimmy and Patty sit down to talk about how to ask better questions of God. If we have a shallow relationship with God, we will lead shallow lives. Unfortunately many Christians have yet to learn this fundamental truth.
The good news is that regardless of your life circumstances that you are in right now, you can learn how to deepen your friendship with God today.
In this episode Jimmy and Patty sit down and discuss how to ask better questions of the Bible. Whether you think that you know your Bible very well, or you are a beginner to reading the Bible this episode will help you approach your bible in new and surprising ways.
In this episode Jimmy and Patty sit down to talk about the importance of asking better questions. This is a four part series on how to ask better questions of the church, the bible, God, and as leaders.
In today’s episode we will be focusing on how to ask better questions of your church.
