Pretty Much Jesus: Recent Episodes
Kelly O'Neal
Stories, fun facts, conversations, and....well, pretty much Jesus. An encouraging podcast dedicated to helping you fix your eyes on the Hope and Joy of life.
If you knew there was something better out there, would you want it? Of course you would. From barbeque to gummy bears to the meaning of life itself, we have a built-in longing to find the best. While most of our longings are clouded with uncertainty and subjectivity, there is one search that is settled once and for all--and it's not even close. There is a search that is paramount, and God has made it crystal clear where the supremacy lies.
Alien, Mar Attacks, Men in Black, Independence Day....why are imaginations of alien invasions often terrifying scorched-earth scenarios? Would it possible to imagine someone beyond this world, far superior in mind and power, who invades our world with peace and kindness? Not only is it possible, it's already happened--and it's better than you think.
If we could communicate with another civilization beyond our own, what would we say? How would we say it? What would we want to convey about ourselves and our little world? This is exactly what scientists and astronomers did in 1974, using the Arecibo Telescope. But the more important questions are: If God could communicate to us, what would He say? How would he say it? And what would He want to convey to about Himself and His Kingdom? The answers to these questions are where you will find clarity for 2023.
For more information about the Arecibo Telescope and the 1974 message click HERE.
In 1974, Phillipe Petit wowed the world the day he walked a high-wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. His show in the sky was inspiring, albeit illegal, because of the freedom and joy he expressed in the midst of possible death and certain detainment. It's not a perfect example, but his story is in some way (not in every way) a picture of a life of faith in Jesus. In this world, we are surrounded by danger and troubles of all kinds. Yet, the apostle Peter shares words with a suffering church that reveal a secret to enduring joy in the midst of trials (1 Peter 1).
Part 3 of 3 of a series on the story from Mark 6 and Matthew 14. The only thing scarier than being on a boat in a storm is being OUT of the boat in a storm. Yet, this is where we find power in the name of Jesus to walk forward even in the midst of trouble. Fix your eyes on Him.
Boat life is pretty awesome--until it's not. Thankfully Jesus can walk on water, and not just literally. Enjoy Part 2 of 3 on Matthew 14 and Mark 6!
Being alone is often thought of as a bad thing, and for good reason. But Jesus shows us why it can be really, really good to be alone. Matthew 14:23
Have you ever heard it said? Maybe you've said it before: the picture just doesn't do it justice. How true it is when we experience something too marvelous for words--or pictures. And while pictures don't capture the fullness of an experience, they are helpful tools enticing us to experience the fullness for ourselves. In some sense, this is what it means to be the light of the world, to represent something greater than yourself. Jesus is the fullness of Life that everyone should come to know. ( Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 3:15 )
This recent rescue will absolutely blow your mind. And it's a good reminder about another mind-blowing rescue story. If you like Greece and/or soccer balls, you might like this one. ****Galatians 4:4-5, Romans 5:8.
There is a way to peace and gratitude, but it's counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. It involves perspective. It's a perspective you can get if you happen to go to the moon. But the good news is you don't have to go to the moon to get it. You just gotta walk outside tonight and look up! The moon and stars are more than celestial night lights. They are beacons pointing us to our one hope: Jesus.
99 years ago, an unusual victory occurred that hadn't happened before--or since. This is the story about a horse race--and it is wild! And like anything else, it all points back to Jesus.
"Almost" and "not even close" have very different effects on our soul. And you might be tempted to opt for almost rather than not even close. The rich young ruler in Mark 10 was caught in between the two. And Jesus showed him, and us, the unlikely advantage of embracing the "not even close." That is where the Savior waits.
Some tunnels are longer than others--i.e. the two-mile tunnel in Whittier, AK! Hear the story of my experience with this tunnel and how it is a allegory for long, difficult season in our lives. Plus, learn from Psalm 13 how to process these seasons and endure them well, and of course how Jesus is the key to endurance.
Exciting new for the Pretty Much Jesus Podcast + and encouraging message--no doubt! Have you ever been chased by cows? I have...and you bet there is something powerful to learn of Jesus in it.
These days it seems everyone is looking for the secret sauce to life. The thing that will transform us into the best version of ourselves. The thing that will give us clarity, peace, and confidence in the world. Perhaps the secret sauce has been there all along, right in the pages of the best-selling book of all time, which tells us about the greatest life every lived--the life of Jesus, the Son of God.
Every year the cherry blossoms of Washington D.C. put on a spectacular display of natural beauty. But there is something even more beautiful that takes places just days before. This inconspicuous event is a picture of Jesus and it is the best news for you today.
There is a reason they call it the "wisdom" of a child and not the "tact" of a child. Find encourage in this episode that spans the gap between the goofy things kids say and the incredible hope you can have even in the face of death.
Listen to find out what is the greatest film of all time (Well, I suppose that's debatable). This wonderful 90's flick might bring back some memories, and of course there is a Jesus nugget in there.
Sometimes in life we find ourselves in situations where we simply do not have what it takes. I call those "5-2 moments," and it's these moments that beckon us to fix our eyes on Jesus again. In fact, he specializes in 5-2 moments.
Did you know Denali is taller than Mount Everest?! Listen to find out why. Denali and incredibly large and, oddly enough, very small. The difference is perspective. Discover what this means for you and more importantly what it has to do with Jesus.
Shane Selby and Makayla McKibben of Eleventh Hour Worship join me to talk about leading worship in light of Jesus' return--along with some other exciting news! They are the real deal--for real. Check out their their music on all streaming platforms including Apple and Spotify, as well as their website: www.eleventhhourworship.com.
Find out what the old playground game Red Rover has to do with Jesus, and why it is good news for you. Prepare for 10 minutes of pure encouragement!
This episode is for everyone, but especially those who like the Transformers or miss the old Golden Gallon gas stations. In any case, we all love a good bizarre dream story. And of course, somehow it ends up being about Jesus.
Have you ever experienced an event or celebration so exciting you'll never forget how it made you feel? This is the story of one of these moments for me. These moments, and how they make us feel, tell us something about Jesus and the most epic celebration that has yet to be! #Revelation
It's not a children's storybook--it's a story about a boy named Walter, a woodpecker, and baseball. Oh, and Jesus.
This one is out of this world...literally. Seriously though, thank you Elon Musk and SpaceX for giving us a pretty cool living illustration of good things to come--and of course it involves Jesus. Check out this video first to see what I'm talking about. https://youtu.be/eQdmEjsgDs4
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of athletic achievement and cultural glory. Super Bowl LVI was no different. But the best part of this year's Super Bowl might surprise you. Here's a hint: it involves Matthew Stafford. Check out this link to see what I'm talking about: https://twitter.com/NFLFilms/status/1493612825952067586?s=20&t=lEdNz5yy6sxavMKNQp39UQ
Where is Jesus in the Old Testament? Why is Jesus' humanity just as important as his divinity? We'll take a deep dive into these questions in this conversation with Pastor Derrick Brite.
Between alligators and whoppers there is a powerful reminder: hope changes how we think and live.
Fear and anxiety are addressed in this sequel to "GOAT of Goats." But first, learn how to find snakes on a farm, and hear about something amazing Jesus once said--while he was glowing! If you're more scared of theme parks rides now than when you were a kid, this one is sure to hit.
Let's have a goat vote: Michael Jordan or Lebron James? Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus? Yo-yo Ma or....well let's face it, it's Yo-yo Ma. These individuals, and others, inspire us with their skills and success in their respective crafts. Yet, what if there is a greatness that outshines them all? What if there is One who's greatness is so vast and consequential it demands your attention and has the power to change your life? The truth is the debate has been settled--there is in fact a GOAT of goats!
Light is so fast it is impossible to observe it in motion......Or is it? Researchers at MIT sought to do just that--make light observable in motion. But it's not the first time light was "slowed down" to an observable speed. In this Christmas edition of the podcast, discover how Christmas is really a story of light in slow motion.
Link to MIT experiment: https://youtu.be/EtsXgODHMWk
What does river rafting, Jesus, and a man named Johnny Combat have it common? Find out in this adventure story.
Some numbers are so big they feel meaningless. But what if they actually tell us something about God--about Jesus? Discover what is the largest number that has a name, and what it says about God's astronomical goodness! See John 3:16 in a whole new light. Buckle up for this one!
Is there a bullseye in LIFE? If there is, how do you know if you're hitting it? It turns out archery has a lot to say to you and I about life and Jesus.
Step aside Usain Bolt--make way for the bear. There is no creature quite like the bear, and that says something about Jesus.