The Walking Closer Podcast: Recent Episodes
Adam Comeaux
If you think life is too complicated to slow down to walk with Jesus in a life giving pace, then maybe its time to simplify things. This episode is all about simplifying our theology and our living so that we can "remain in Jesus's words and gain first hand experience of the truth as it sets us free."
Are you living from a place of rest? Do you have this internal sense of wellbeing that is not contingent on external circumstances (joy)? As a result, are the actions of your life being performed from a state of rest (peace)? Sabbath is a rhythm that you can adopt that might be helpful, but it may not be what you think it is.
Resources
Books:
- John Mark Comer in his book Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.
- Ruth Haley Barton’s book Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest
- Wayne Muller: Sabbath Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest
Links
- https://www.soulshepherding.org/?s=sabbath
- https://transformingcenter.org/?s=sabbath
- https://www.practicingtheway.org/sabbath
In our efforts to quiet the mind and calm the internal restlessness, we need to consider our external environments, the external noise and distractions to which we have grown accustomed. In part 2 of "Turning Down the Noise" we talk about the benefits of engaging in times of solitude. We talk about how this can be done in small moments throughout the day or for extended periods of time.
We are so distracted by the outer world because we neglect the inner world. At the same time, the outer world is one big chaotic distraction because our inner worlds are so neglected. In this episode we are going to talk about the benefits of getting comfortable with silence, the reasons we struggle with it, and what we can do about it.
Links to articles and further research mentioned:
https://theconversation.com/bring-the-noise-has-technology-made-us-scared-of-silence-10988
https://psychcentral.com/blog/our-fear-of-silence#3
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140703142154.htm
https://www.rug.nl/staff/n.koudenburg/koudenburgetal.2011.pdf
https://commons.emich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://forge.medium.com/being-comfortable-with-silence-is-a-superpower-64b9e0e54925&httpsredir=1&article=1052&context=gabc
In this episode we talk a little about what chronic busyness and the hurried lifestyle is doing to us. We also look at some of the symptoms of "hurried sickness."
Reference Links:
Book: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Hurried Sickness Symptoms from “Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” pg. 48-51
Articles Referenced
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/signs-of-hurry-sickness-how-to-deal_l_6081d78de4b0dff254039874
https://www.forbes.com/sites/palomacanterogomez/2019/02/01/ten-intelligent-ways-to-combat-your-hurry-sickness/?sh=1cc57228572e
https://fortune.com/2015/02/04/busy-hurry-work-stress/
https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/always-in-a-rush-maybe-its-time-urgency
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-time-cure/201302/hurry-sickness
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2014/07/29/fomo-history/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kittyknowles/2016/03/22/fomo-patrick-mcginnis-book-the-10-entrepreneur-fomo-meme/?sh=8d6a0777f1dc
In this final chapter of "The Divine Conspiracy," Willard talks a little about what might happen after we die in light of apprenticeship to Jesus and what we know about the Kingdom.
In this episode, we are taking a looking at chapter 9 of a book by Dallas Willard called the Divine Conspiracy. This chapter is all about strategical and practical steps in reorienting ourselves around apprenticeship to Jesus.
Do you see a difference between being a Christian & being a Disciple? Should there be a difference? Is Discipleship optional? On this episode we take a look at chapter 8 of the Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard.
The Walking Closer is finally back with another episode as I share with you things I have learned from Dallas Willard's book "The Divine Conspiracy." This episode covers a little of why I have been gone and my gleanings from chapter 7 of "The Divine Conspiracy."
Have you ever looked at the Sermon on the Mt and tried to actually do the things that Jesus mentions? How did it go for you? Have you given up yet? Have they become your natural response yet? In this episode I want to give you a basic summary of what I think is going on in the Sermon on the Mt and why you might need to change the way you see and approach this text.
This episode explores some thoughts about God's perspective, our perspectives, compartmentalism, integration, and a few other nuggets here and there.
Resources:
Jordan Peterson Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rAqVmZwqZM&t=0s
As we look at Chapter 2 of the Divine Conspiracy, we look at how we have turned the gospel into a system of sin management and why that doesn’t work.
Episode Resources:
https://www.christiantoday.com/article/american.study.reveals.indulgent.lifestyle.christians.no.different/9439.htm
https://www.barna.com/research/faith-has-a-limited-effect-on-most-peoples-behavior/
https://www.barna.com/research/christians-relational-health/
https://www.barna.com/research/resilient-discipleship/
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/february/ravi-zacharias-rzim-investigation-sexual-abuse-sexting-rape.html
www.netgrace.org
https://www.christiancentury.org/article/2013-10/evangelicals-worse-catholics-sexual-abuse
The things we consume play a major role in determining who we are becoming. How's That Working for us? The typical ways we try to enact change in our societies only leads to more laws and not true change in character? How's That Working for us? The typical ways we present Jesus and his teachings seems to only lead to more division, laws, dogmas, etc., but no true change in the heart? How's That Working for us?
Additional Resources:
Tristan Harris TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C74amJRp730&t=32s
Former male porn star interview: https://youtu.be/Hx-p9Wr6xg0
Divine Conspiracy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ7tmLfYg7S8MPo-b73Q_-g3HYNMqLZ2Q
So much of how we respond to life is simply based on our perceived reality. Jesus gave us principles that when applied help us to come to "know the truth" of a reality that transcends perspectives. These principles prove to be relevant and practical for us today.
In this episode we talk about Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy, and seeing Jesus as practical and relevant.
Walking Closer Youtube Channel
In this episode, I explain a little more about my story and why I have the approach I have with Walking Closer.
For the first episode of 2021, I give an update on a new adventure with the podcast, I revisit the reasons behind this podcast, and tell you a little bit more about my own story.
Walking Closer YouTube Channel
If we want to make changes that stick, we need a process that puts us in a position to actually change. This episode explores such a process.
Sometimes, our hearts are like junk drawers. They collect things over time that eventually keep us from being able to open them. You may have things in your heart that are holding you back because you haven't released them.
While the term "faith" is at the core of Christianity, there seems to be lots of ideas about what faith actually is. This episode looks at what faith is in light of its usage during the bible times and what it means to actually live by faith.
In the final episode of this series, we bring it all together and show how we respond to the "graces" or "favors" we have been given. I also discuss how we are put into a unique position of being a benefactor of God's grace to others.
There is language in the NT that ties us to the concepts of the Patron system, and yet, the language is used in a context that rises so far above the limitations of what a Patron would be expected to do. As such, it not only compares and contrast God to earthly Patrons, it also put God in stark contrast to the gods of that time.
The NT is filled with complex narratives. Narratives where complicated social relationships unfold before our eyes. Today’s episode will continue to unpack some of these complexities.
Understanding social structures can help the biblical text come alive. This episode looks at a biblical narrative in Luke 7 where the social context of Personal and Public Patronage is played out in the biblical text.
Did you realize the terms "grace and faith" were not particularly religious terms, but words which were used to describe a specific relationship between two people? This is where understanding social systems can be beneficial and can challenge our perspectives.
This episode shows how the concepts of "Challenge Riposte" are interwoven into the fabric of the "Honor Shame Society" of the biblical times.
This episode touches on reading some of the biblical text through the lens of the "honor shame" culture.
If we are going to better understand the biblical text we first need to acknowledge the challenges we face when it comes to reading and understanding the biblical narrative.
Resources:
http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/New_Testament_Greek/Text/Metzger-TranslationProblems03-BS.pdf#:~:text=Problems%20involved%20in%20translating%20the%20Scriptures%20are%20many.,punctuation%20of%20the%20Hebrew%20and%20the%20Greek%20texts.
Further reading on the cultural and social context of the Bible. Non affiliated links.
"Cultural Tools for Interpreting the Good News" John J. Pilch
"Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes" E. Randolph Richards & Brandon J. O'Brien
"Honor, Patronage, Kindship, & Purity" David A deSilva
"The Social Sciences and New Testament Interpretation" Richard Rohrbaugh
"Modeling Early Christianity" Philip F. Esler
"The New Testament World" Bruce J. Malina
Much of Christian talk is shrouded in highly charged religious phrases which prop up certain theories that most people are unaware of or would struggle to articulate practically. How do we make sense of it all? This is the first of a series of episodes that seeks to challenge our perspectives when it comes to what we believe and why in hopes of better understanding the information we actually have.
Episode Resources:
Wood, D. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2010; vol 99: pp 174-190.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-big-questions/201108/we-see-in-others-what-we-fear-in-ourselves
https://thehabitstacker.com/learning-to-love-yourself-here-are-10-things-you-can-do/
It's much easier to adapt when you keep the focus on the "purpose" behind why you do what you do. What keeps us from adapting is when we get stuck on the "how" we do something. This can be clearly seen right now as Churches make decisions during this pandemic.
Christians have a tendency to claim lots of things, but the old cliche rings true "actions speak louder than words."
We may not want to hear it. We may not like it. We may disagree, but here is the solution to working through all the tension.
If you want to understand some of the anger people are feeling right now, just stop and listen with the intention of gaining a new perspective. Even if you still end up disagreeing, seeing things from other people's perspective helps us to walk closer.
Resources
https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/592177/be-the-bridge-by-latasha-morrison/
https://bethebridge.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BetheBridge/
In Part 2 we talk about what we think might change as our communities begin to move forward through this pandemic. We also talk about what we hope will result from this time.
Things are changing as our communities prepare to reopen. In this episode, we discuss some things we have learned about ourselves as we transition to whats next.
Crises can change us for better or worse. In this conversation with Mindi, I express some of my concerns and hopes for people's faith.
It's easy to focus on all the things we are missing out on since everything is shut down. Mindi joins me once again to talk about some of the good things that might NOT have happened if we weren't playing it safe at home.
Mindi Comeaux joins me once more to share with you our social distancing experiences. Come along with us into the unknown.
My wife (Mindi) and I share with you our experiences so far with the Coronavirus and how it has affected us in different ways. We want you to know, we feel ya.
The Coronavirus has completely disrupted our lives in almost every way. How are you handling this wild ride?
It is really hard to see through all the fear and anxiety of the Coronavirus. However, there are stories from around the world that highlight the good that is within each of us. Humanity is being challenged to "love" and many have accepted this challenge. How about you?
This episode begins to explore the disconnect between "religious language" and what we actually understand as Christians. I think we have a mess on our hands. We use religiously charged words that may have lost their meaning, yet we continue to use them without understanding the concepts they represent. How do we make sense of all this talk? Is there a way to make any of it practical?
In the final episode of this series we explore a moment with Jesus that was unlike any other moment we see Him go through. In this moment, His humanity is on full display.
Mathew 26:36-46
Mark 14:32-42
Luke 22:39-46
John 18:1-2
In the episode we explore what Jesus might have looked like as a man. We explore what historians say, what scripture might paint, and we also discuss the Shroud of Turin. Use the following links to further research the Shroud of Turin.
- https://shroud.com/history.htm History timeline of the Shroud starting in 1356.
- https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5luydh Shroud of Turin Documentary.
- https://www.shroud.com Shroud of Turin website for further research.
This episode explores a few things that made Jesus unique as a human living in the 1st century. We also explore the relationship between Jesus and his mother.
We may generally have a tendency to emphasize the divinity of Jesus, but did you realize the New Testament writers also emphasized his humanity alongside his divinity? So who was Jesus, the man?
What does your relationship with God look like? It's only when you realize you don't have what you want, that you can begin to go in the direction you need.
Sometimes the things we do "for God" can take the place of our relationship with God. A relationship with God is not something that can be manufactured. What does your relationship with God look like?
What may be passing for a relationship with God, may actually be something that has replaced that relationship. Listen to this episode to find out more.
"Real connections, epiphanies, reconstruction, reordering, comes as we go through things..... as we wrestle with God, and come out on the other side knowing we will never be the same again."
This episode concludes by diving into what is "a better way." We explore what this better way looks like and its ability to profoundly transform us and those around us.
In part 3 I dive into some things found in Paul's letter to the Corinthians that will help us understand what I view as "the meat" or the deeper things.
What do people mean when they say they want "the meat" of scripture, etc.? In this episode we focus more on what "the meat" is not.
The landscape of Christianity seems so complex and diverse. Things can easily become foggy and people can easily become disoriented or disinterested. What are we to make of all this?
Listen as two people from different backgrounds share how their understanding of God evolved and changed their lives.
This episode continues my conversations with others concerning their mental image of God. This is the first part of my conversation with Zach Yarbrough.
This episode features my very first guest on the podcast. I sit down with Amy Smith and we discuss her journey and the evolution of her image of God.
In this episode, I explore some of my own past image(s) of God, what supported it, and how it changed.
If we are not careful we might live our lives being stuck in the past or always looking for what's coming next and never really live in the moment. Are you ready to wake up to what's already in front of you and to be caught up in the appreciation and joy that it can bring? Thats what this episode is all about.
What mental visualization comes to your mind when you think about God? During prayer, is there a specific image of God that comes to your mind? What does God look like to you? This episode explores this concept and I also share some of my own ideas.
In this episode, I continue sharing my own personal experiences with burn out and what I learned. This episode also highlights some new updates to Walking Closer.
In this episode I relate some of my own personal experiences with burn out and how I started down the road to recovery.
This episode is all about Burn Out, the signs, how it affects us, and what to do about it.
While the resurrection of Jesus made a huge impact on the lives of those who experienced it, and while it made a massive impact on the world, this doesn't mean it has had the same impact on you. This episode is all about exploring the impact the resurrection could have on us.
What does it mean to pursue God? What does this look like for you? Do you think pursuing God is limited to reading your Bible? This episode challenges you to consider not only what you are pursuing but also what pursuing God might look like.
This episode is all about taking time to consider the world outside of your bubble. Take a peak at creation around you. The fingerprint of God is all around. There is something beautiful and amazing that is larger than our schedules or projects. Taking the time to considering this just may be the mental shift you need.
Episode 41 concludes this series on responding and reacting. In this episode I give some final thoughts on navigating our emotions in decision making. I give my takeaways from process like Zero Based Thinking and Emotionless Decision Making Framework.
Episode 40 is focused on engaging a process by which we can cultivate the mind to be focused and calm in responding to stressful situations. The use of prayer is discussed as a means by which this can be done.
This episode is centered around the idea of "fight or flight." We talk about what is going on physically with us during these moments and what might be triggers for you.
Are you a person who most often finds yourself being more responsive or reactive? Do you know the difference? This episode is all about clarifying the difference and also contains some tips on how to become more responsive.
This episode is all about exploring the benefits of being attuned to our emotions and leveraging our understanding of what is going on to help us rise above, or navigate through, the situations in which we find ourselves.
This episode is the first of a series that will focus on our emotions and feelings and specifically the roles they play in our decision making process.
Set any new goals lately? Are you able to accomplish the goals you set? This episode is all about making changes and the crucial step we skip that causes us to fail.
This is the final episode for 2018. This episode is just a quick checkin where we talk about some potential updates to Walking Closer and what to look forward to in 2019.
Do you like change? Are you one of those people who runs from change? Does change make you uncomfortable? Todays episode is all about putting a positive spin on change and may even help you determine whether the change that is happening is good and needed.
This episode is all about being ok with being a work in progress. Sometimes transformation comes faster and other times is come slower. It can be discouraging at times, but remember you are a work in progress.
Transformation is a process whether we like it or not. It can be confusing, exhausting, and daunting at times. How do we cut through all this and continue to make progress?
What we really want, our wills, informs how we respond to everything. It informs what we say and think. It empowers how we feel in the moment. What happens when our wills are splintered, contradictory, divided, corrupted? This episdoe highlights the internal conflict we experience as a result of the condition of our "wills."
We are so good at acquiring information, but what do we do with it? Information alone does not change us. Just because we know the right answers doesn’t mean they will transform us? Are we teachable?
How do we change our character? Can we just will it into being? Can we force character change through force of habit?
This episode is all about Character. Good or bad we all have character. So, what is it?
Up to this point we have spent most of our time discussing the mind (thoughts, feelings, images, and ideas that occupy the mind). We have discussed how our minds are formed and shaped through our life experiences and how they regularly impacts us. Now What? This episode will begin a series of episodes where we specifically talk about our hearts and how to align our hearts with God.
Focusing of inner transformation can be exhausting at times. You might feel beat down, drained, tired of facing your failures or character flaws. How do you handle those times? This episode is all about makeing time for rest and renewal. I hope to give you some ideas by recounting my most recent 3 day retreat.
This episode addresses how to move forward with replacing those feelings that lead to destructive behaviors. Its all about cultivating within ourselves those godly conditions that embodied the heart of Jesus.
Only managing our feelings is like only paying attention to the systems of a disease. Just like symptoms point to underlying sickness, feelings can point to underlying conditions. We must go beyond managing our feelings and address the underlying conditions of our hearts.
Feelings can be complex, powerful, and tricky. This episdoe presents just a few examples of this reality and further makes the arguement of why we need to focus on the underlying conditions with which these feelings are associated.
Feelings are so intertwined with the thoughts that occupy our minds, it does us not good to deny them or repress them. They are so intertwined with who we are, we cannot separate ourselves from them. Instead of being mastered by them or denying them, its best if we understand them.
Do "me and Jesus have our own thing going"? This episode gives you a few things to chew on while you consider the question.
This episdoe takes the concepts we have discussed concerning "changing the mind" and brings them all together. We wrap up by giving a few specific examples of what this looks like.
If we want to change our minds we must replace the current ideas and images with the "good stuff." Since it is the case that we have the power to choose what we set our minds upon, we must be proactive in filling our minds with the things that can replace the the junk in our minds. This episode begins to address what we can do in order to change our minds.
Our minds are filled with images and these images not only demonstrate the ideas that govern us, but they are also filled with feelings and emotions. On this episode, we will look at various examples or exercises to demonstrate this reality and the power of the mind.
Have you ever given much thought to thinking? Our thoughts play such a huge role in how we feel and what we do. This episode is all about becoming more self-aware of our own thoughts which reflect the ideas that govern us.
This is the second of a series of episodes tackling our thoughts and feelings. This episode addresses the reality of how we are governed by Ideas. Our idea system is formed along with us from childhood into adulthood.