The Ground Beneath Grace: Recent Episodes
Joey W. & Johno
“Sometimes I have a hard time believing in God.” It’s the confession of so many of us. Even if we know God is real, doubts creep in. Where is God when we’re hurting? When we’re afraid? When we feel alone? Join us, pastor Johnathan and author Joey, each week, as we revisit the narrative of Jesus, discerning and discussing how understanding Jesus helps us grasp our identity with God. We are taking an honest look at our questions and challenges. We believe Jesus came so we could live to the full. This is our hope. This is our podcast, The Ground Beneath Grace.
Join Joey and Johno as we take on 3 more sins Jesus thought we needed to know about. Again, Most of the sin talks went to "religious" people of the time... not the helpless and harassed. Broken people know brokenness... do religious people know they are broken too? When we spend to much time pointing the finger, we can miss the message Jesus is telling us to work on in our own lives. Hypocrisy, Greed and Unforgiveness are the topics for this podcast. This is part two in a 3 part series reflecting on the "10 Sins Jesus Condemns Most Harshly in Scripture."
We've all done it... Sin. A while ago, we talked about "Big Sin, Little Sin" but this episode we talk about the sins Jesus really wanted us know be aware of. Interesting, many Christians seem to know the sin the world commits, but when Jesus talks about the list we will cover, he's talking to the religious people and the religious leaders. If we are going to call out sin of the world, we need to recognize we do the same. We just don't like to talk about it. Well, in this episode, we will give it a shot. We must know that Jesus came to set us free from sin... it's good to recognize the log in our eye, so we can be helpful to remove a speck from our neighbors eye.
Is it ok to judge a church? We judge people but churches seem to be a different topic. Churches include a LOT of people and who has the authority to speak into a church that is missing the mark. It's a challenge and many shy away from doing so. Should we, how do we, can we judge a church? Let's talk about it.
It's a new year. Most of us like new things and much of the world is telling us we need new things... but do we need new? God has given us something eternal and it's not something that needs to be replaced with something new, we just need to remember what it was that has been freely given.
Join Joey and Johno as they talk about what we should remember we have instead of always thinking we need something new.
Everyone loves a good story. Today your hosts Joey and Johno talk about writing stories. Do you have an idea for a good story? How do you get started? Joey shares some of his writing experience as a published author and how to keep going when you think you can't. Keep listening and start writing.
History of the church has not been without culture. Women seem to take on a serious role in the story of Jesus. They supported his ministry and were the first eyewitnesses of the resurrection. The testimony of women in the first century was not considered any value, yet the story of Jesus launches the Christian story of resurrection with the eyewitness of ladies. Unfortunately, there has continued to be an oppression of women in Christianity and it is most certain, that was not what Jesus intended. In this episode, Johno and Joey talk about women in church. A few personal experiences and a biblical conversation, in context, about how important women are in the gospel narrative.
Well, it's been a loooong time but we're still here. Joey and Johno have continued to meet and record but publishing podcast takes time. Today your hosts will catch you up with where they've been and continue the conversation and journey of faith. Find out what's going on and catch a glimpse of some ideas coming up in the next few weeks and on into 2022.
Many of us have struggled with our past. We might have seriously failed in what we believe life to be. Only an enemy would want us to stay there. Jesus came to give life and life abundantly. We are not the the only ones who've blown it in our past. St. Paul says, "one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and pressing on towards what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We are people who live in the forgetting our past... Jesus is lives in the making of all things new. Joey and Johno talk about their struggle. Remember, it's not the struggle, it's the idea that there is an enemy that will use whatever to bring you down. Jesus takes us where we are and never leaves us there. Remember, where sin abounds, GRACE abounds more.
So, you don't have a church to go to. How do you find one? Church shopping. Not the best wording, but it tends to be how many go about "looking" for a church... a home church. The special thing about church is, the people. People can create a special place in the community of God and they can also make a challenging place in the community of God. There are some who say, "The church has a mission..." it might be better to say, "God has a mission and His mission has a church." What could it look like if we found a place to bring Gods kingdom near, His grace and mercy, nevertheless.
If you've ever gone to church, you've probably heard the word, "sin." What does sin really mean? There are a lot of thoughts around this, but many believe it defined as, "misses the mark." However, sin can get a more accurate definition when we put a "face" on it. "Don't drink, don't smoke, and stop cussing. We become eager to judge "BIG SINS" and "little sins." Yet, can focusing on name and qualifying sin, keep us from realizing what the true "mark" is? Is hitting the "mark" not drinking? Is it not smoking? The goodness of God is not meant to be seen through sin, it is meant to be seen the glorious image of what God intended for us from the beginning, relationship with Him. All sin and fall short of the glory of God, yet it is by grace we are saved. This is not our doing or our undoing, it is Jesus who died while we were still sinners. Let's discuss the idea of what the mark is before we try to condemn the sin. Jesus came to give us life, not the image of what death looks like.
Still haven't found, what I'm looking for. Many of us grew up going to church, but what does that really mean? Has "going" to church answered what we are looking for? We don't want to push the beauty of church under a bus, however, some of what we've been doing is NOT really church. This part 2 conversation between Joey and Johno looks at some of what's missing. If the church is filled with imperfect people, why does it look so perfect in its performance? We want and believe the church should exist, but there are many people we talk to who don't need a better song or a nicely polished sermon. Our gathered times on Sunday are missing something that brings about the "fullness" of Christ. That something, which is missing, can only be found in the people of God. Church will never be a solo event; church is community... it's body... it's one another. We talk about some of our personal issues and we are looking to give our neighbors a place to find church again, which might be a lot closer than any of us really know.
If you are struggling with "church" and ideas about what it is or isn't, please reach out and share with us your story. We believe Jesus loves the church and wants the best for her in this world. You can leave us a voice message at https://anchor.fm/johnathan-thomas
In this, under an hour episode, Johno and Joey talk about church and why we go... and why we don't go. Many of us remember our parents calling out, "It's time to go to church." We all pack up in the car and head to, church. But, church is not a building, it's the people that make up church. We begin the conversation about the good and the bad in "going" to church This is part one in a conversation that will be continued in a future episode. Let us know your thoughts. Do you like going to church? What's the good part and if you wish to share, what are the bad parts? If you don't go to church, let us know your thoughts on why. Is there any good reason to go to church? Let's talk about it.
This week we have Wade Poe, co author of the book, "Gods door is always open," on the podcast. We continue our talk on living in the world and the challenges we face following Jesus. What can we do to see holiness in a very loud worldly setting? It's not impossible but it will take some discipline.
Can "Christians" change the world by being like it? Many times, the church today can look a lot like the world today. Has Jesus called us above it? In it? Separate from it? This is a "part one" in the conversation between Joey and Johno as they discuss this, "to close for comfort," topic.
Well, the list was long enough and we thought it would be great to make part two on Christian clichés. In this episode we will cover six things well-intended church folk say that end up having a disastrous outcome. It's not our intent to stop the conversation. It is our intent to be better at living the story of grace to the world around us. In the end, it is by the Grace of God, we live, breath and have our being. Let's stop using worthless words and start living a WORD filled life.
We hear them everyday... some of them stick with us for a long time. Today, Joey and Johno discuss words that they remember in life that were significant in their story. From their favorite quotes, to words spoken to them by an individual and scriptures that really resinate. We are made up of words. What's a quote that you remember? What's your favorite Bible verse that gets you through? Join us as we journey through the words of our life.
Love is a many splendid things... We love movies, soap, our dog... our spouse... how do we work out the difference in so many different loves to find the true meaning of love. The greek word, Agape might be able to help us. Join us as we discuss this unique and radical love that the world so desperately needs today.
We've all heard them... Christian cliches. They are well meant saying from good church people, however, most leave people feeling like a train wreck. Joey and Johno grab a handful out of the hat to discuss in this episode. Let's think about not ever using any of these cliches ever again. Did your favorite cliche make the list? If not let us know what it is and your thoughts and we will use it in our future podcast.
What's the difference between happiness and joy? Is there one? We have a culture that makes us want to feel happy and the marketing is fantastic. Joy has a different place in the world we live in. We are happy because of... However, we are joyful in spite of... How do we keep from corrupting joy in in our life with happiness? What does it look like according to the Bible? Join us this week for a joyful podcast.
Have you ever imagined what heaven will be like? Sitting on a cloud, we'll see Jesus? There have been many thoughts and imagery through the years, but really, what is heaven really like and why would I want to go there? Joey and Johno discuss their thoughts on the subject of heaven in this episode. It might be possible to catch a keyhole glimpse into eternity, right here, right now. Let's talk about it heaven... it's a wonderful place.
The person who believes in Jesus should be one with others who believe in Jesus. What happens when we disagree? What does it mean to disagree with someone in the body of Christ? We're not the first to have had disagreement in faith. Look how many churches there are today. How can we live in a world where there are people being shut out because they don't agree with another. Is it even possible to agree to disagree? In the end, what must we fully agree on in order to live out love when we don't agree?
Sometimes the Holy Spirit is skipped over in our Christian conversations. Yet, the Holy Spirit is given to us as a "helper." How does the Holy Spirit help us today? Can the Spirit of God work in others to speak to you? Is it ok if I just don't fully understand everything about the Holy Spirit? The Spirit of God is a helper... let's talk about that.
Have you ever heard the question, "What must I do to be saved?" We sometimes get caught up in doing things in order to earn salvation. That's not how grace works. Yet, we were created to do good works... which is it and what's the core at salvation? What must I do? Let's talk about it.
Today Paul, Joey and Johno discuss 5 "R's" to help survive a pandemic. As we shelter in place or stay home, stay safe how do we: Retreat - get away, Read - the Bible or, Recess - exercise, Realize - This is temporary, and Rest? How would you answer the 5 "R's" in your life today? This might help us in our new normal as we find the silver lining in all of this. Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page.
There is something about books, music and movies that grab our soul. Today Joey, Paul and I discuss the movies and music that we love with an underlying spiritual message. Can we see God in media? We've got a few media favorites to discuss. What are your favorite media picks with an underlying spiritual message?
Hollywood has created some powerful messages in its time. Many films have a serious spiritual undertone. Here are some of our favorites.
Tonight Joey and I discuss music and lyrics that have touched us or helped us in difficult times. Which songs bring meaning to your daily walk?
So many times we've asked God for help. "Why doesn't He answer me?" God may not have the "BOOMING" voice we think of, it might be coming from the most unlikely... your neighbor. Mr. Rogers was a beautiful soul who touched many lives that many would not even recognize. Do words and thoughts like his help us hear God? The Gods messages says, "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’" Acts 17:26-28 Have you ever considered that the boundaries you are in are also filled with God people with words and actions that allow you to reach out to God? Because, He is not far from you. Join us as we look at this through the life of Mr. Rogers... Won't you be my neighbor?
Ever wonder what steps Jesus is willing to take in order to redeem the brokenness in this world. Daily rituals keep us distracted from the simple truth that God is with us, right here, right now. We wake up, brush our teeth, go to work, come home, make dinner, clean up, put the kids to bed, clean some more... go to be and start all over again. How might we react to Jesus asking us, in this daily ritual, "Could I have some toothpaste?" Strange for sure, "You don't even have a toothbrush!" Jesus wants to meet us in our everyday. He sees a world that is helpless and harassed and He shows us how to live life in a new way. A way of Spirit and Truth.
We've got questions about life and we've got questions about God. In this episode, we look at Matthew 8:21 where a disciple wants to follow Jesus, but would like to take care of some very important business... burying his father. Asking Jesus if he can do that first, Jesus says, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
This is a scripture we wrestle with. Join in as we discuss what this might look like today.