Para Podcast: Recent Episodes
JaxNaz Church
Who helps you grow in your faith? Who helps you become more faithful, complete, and generous - more like Jesus? Not by setting an example. Not by teaching or preaching. By sharing the journey with you. If you don’t have someone like that in your life yet, don’t worry. The Para Podcast is here to get you started. This is your opportunity listen in on other people's conversations as they talk about becoming more like Jesus.
The final message in our series on spiritual growth concludes with the powerful story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8. Philip sets an example for us to Listen, Engage, Abide, and Do what Jesus did (LEAD).
Owning your kingdom purpose unlocks your greatest potential. Starting with the end in mind helps you plan the steps for how to get from where you are to where you want to be. It might sound weird, but when we're talking about our lives, that means you're planning your own funeral.
What does it look like to finish well, to live a life that reveals the most important relationship you had was your relationship with Jesus? Listen to Week 3 of "It's Just a Phase (So Don't Miss It)."
What am I doing with my life? Is this the direction I want my life to go? And I don’t mean in a “I’m in crisis” kind of way, but in a very real, “What is my purpose” kind of way.
We often search for our purpose in life, then ask God what His plan is for that purpose. That's actually backwards. Searching for my purpose first, then asking God what he wants to do with that purpose endeavors to fit God into what I have already determined for life.
God has a plan and a purpose for you in that plan. If you lean in and pursue His purpose for you in His plan, only God knows how far those ripples could reach.
We live in an interesting cultural moment. The things that make us fit in with some people and stand out from others are less frequently seen as characteristics and increasingly seen as who we are, our whole being, the essence of our existence.
Why? People are desperate to be seen, accepted, known, and loved. It is in God and God alone that we live and move and have our being.
So, who does God say you are?
*The best assessment of who you are is not who you say you are, but who you are convinced others are. We unconsciously shine light on our own shadows. - Erwin McManus, author of Mind Shift
W*hat if the way you see the world is not a reflection of who you want to be? What if it's not a reflection of who you know God wants you to be? The story of Emmaus Road leads us into what is called a cruciform – or cross-formed - view of the Bible and, consequently, the world. If we see the world as we are and we are formed by the cross, that means being transformed by the renewing of our minds includes learning to see the world through the cross.
Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commands." That's a really easy statement to hear the wrong way. What did he really mean when he said it and how do we respond?
Jesus was betrayed by Judas and Judas never recovered. The betrayal was awful, evil, literally of the devil. Yet, it was not outside of God's will. Judas betrayal led to Jesus' suffering, which, in turn, leads to our redemption.
Whatever you're going through - whatever pain you're facing. God wants to turn it around for your good and his glory. Your pain has purpose in God's plan.
Are you looking for a church? Trying to figure out if the church you're at is where you should stay? What questions should you be asking and what answers should you be seeking?
In this episode, Pastor Anna and Pastor James have an honest and practical conversation about the church "fit check."
As navigation technology has improved over time, it has become easier for people to get where they need to go without getting lost. If only the same kind of navigation technology existed for the ways things get lost. What if my keys could find their way back to me when they’re misplaced? What about all the single socks in the world that have lost their match in the dryer? What if we had some tool to help them find their way home?
What about people? Jesus came to seek and save the lost, then he sent the Holy Spirit to us to do everything he did and more…which includes leading people through and to Jesus – the only one who saves.
That means, for this particular kind of being lost, we ARE the navigation technology.
Where you are matters. Bloom where God has planted you. Pray for him to make you faithful and fruitful. Pastor Tracy Collier, Groups Pastor at JaxNaz Church (Jackson, MI) brings an encouraging word.
What you take in through your eyes affects your whole life. Be mindful, then, of what you look at and how you view the world around you.
Need help? Strap on "God Goggles" and see the world through His eyes.
Jesus is radically inclusive. He ate with tax collectors, drunkards, prostitutes, the homeless, the poor, people with disabilities. He healed people he wasn’t supposed to touch. He chose as his closest followers: uneducated fisherman, a tax collector (who worked for the government and betrayed his people), a violent anti-governmental zealot, an impulsive hothead who probably had ADHD, and a skeptic.
AND while we were still sinners, he died for us!
If we're going to be like Jesus, we should be radically inclusive, too.
Whatever you’re facing right now – or whatever you might face in the future – remember this story. Think not just about what Jesus does, but the living Word he is. When you’re brokenhearted, crushed in spirit, don’t ever forget – the same power that multiplied the loaves and fish, comforts the afflicted, heals the sick, empowers self-denial and cross carrying – that’s God’s mountain-moving power and it’s in you!
Never forget: God moves mountains even when we’re walking in the valley.
Are you dealing with physical, emotional, or spiritual health concerns? Jesus is the healer. Sin is a sickness that disrupts our relationship with God and Jesus came to give us abundant life. That life comes through healing only Jesus can provide.
Sometimes healing comes through faith and sometimes faith comes as the result of healing. Take a look at two miraculous healings in Mark 5 and learn from those who are made well by the Word.
What does it look like to enter through the narrow gate and to know Jesus? What words of his are we to put into practice if we want to stand through the troubles of life?
The answers to these questions are found in Jesus' most famous message - the Sermon on the Mount...especially when we start with the end in mind.
Check out this sermon from Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene, first shared June 23, 2024.
How many of us allow the risk of discomfort or awkwardness keep us from talking about Jesus? How many of us allow fear of failure to keep us from discipling people into a lasting and fruitful relationship with Jesus?
When we hold back, we miss out. What's worse - when we hold back, other people miss out. The first step in reconciling this issue us to understand who you are in Christ. The next step - standing on that identity.
This episode contains a sermon originally delivered on June 16, 2024. James' church is reading through the gospels chronologically and this is the message God gave him from the beginning of Jesus' earthly ministry.
We can read the Bible as one whole story that points to Jesus without finding our place in that story. That's not its intention. When we crack open the word of God, we endeavor not only to read it, but to allow it to read us.
James and Anna each share a story about a time the Bible spoke in such a powerful way that it set their lives on different paths. Listen in, asking the Lord to do the same for you!
What does it mean to be saved? Conversations about what we're saved from and what we're saved to often start with hell and end with heaven, but there's much more to it than that. Sin is more frequently found at the end of a pointing finger than understood through our relationship with God.
The best place to start this conversation is at the very beginning. So, Anna and James start with Genesis 1 and touch on points from the Old and New Testaments. Along the way, they stumble into lots of things Christians say...and get into what those mean, too.
Jesus is present across the whole Bible. While he isn't always mentioned by name, stories and predictions of his coming are all over the Old Testament. Predictions and stories of his coming AGAIN are all over the New Testament.
Pastor Chris Bristow has led a years-long small group study that's gone through the whole Bible book by book...and they've seen Jesus all over it! She joins Anna and James to share some of what they've seen.
Jesus left the grave, yet we try to put him in a box. We have a tendency to look at the cross through one lens when the Bible actually looks at it multiple ways. Pastor Jamin Bradley returns to the Para Podcast to talk about the multi-faceted work of Jesus on the cross.
The Trinity is our churcy word for God being three-in-one. What does that mean? How can you explain it to other people? What role can and can't metaphor play in cracking the code (see what we did there? Eggs...cracking...)?
Anna and James scratch the surface of this foundational belief about our God.
Our faithful host, James, has moved to a different church and a different role. Para is growing and will soon be implemented at his new church. What does that mean for the future of the Para Podcast? Find out here!
This episode was originally posted on the JaxNaz Church Podcast. It features Simon and Barbie Hodgson, a couple from the church who experienced a powerful season of revival that beautiful captures what becoming more like Jesus can look like in a person's life. While they don't reference Para, specifically, their story does provide an opportunity to listen in on others talking about what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus.
Dads (and father figures) play a uniquely special role in the lives of kids and teens. The role of Jesus in their parenting isn't talked about nearly enough...So, James invited his friend Jonathan Watts into the podcast to talk about discipling your kids. Topics like kids' personalities, "the talk," and tricky Bible stories are tackled with insight, humility, and humor.
Everything cost something. Jesus tells us to count the cost when we're deciding to follow him. So, what are some of the costs of serving Jesus and serving like Jesus? The answers might surprise you - AND help you become more like Jesus. Our guests are models of serving practiced in counting - and paying - the cost of serving...and they wouldn't have it any other way!
Our guest, Sarah Britton, shared some practical advice about loving our neighbors on Episode 12 of Season 1. Our talk continued after recording wrapped and it was too good to let it go unshared.
So, we picked the conversation back up here and it is so rich and full that it became a 2-part episode. Be sure to check out our last episode, which captures the first half of the talk. THIS episode is the second half of our conversation about some of costs of loving your neighbors - and the rewards that come along with them.
Our guest, Sarah Britton, shared some practical advice about loving our neighbors on Episode 12 of Season 1. Our talk continued after recording wrapped and it was too good to let it go unshared. So, we picked the conversation back up here and it is so rich and full that it became a 2-part episode. So, here's the first half of our conversation about some of costs of loving your neighbors - and the rewards that come along with them.
It seems like we do a pretty good job of telling people about the blessings that come with following Jesus, but we're not always upfront about the costs...and everything costs something. This isn't about trying to determine if it's worth it, because being a disciple of Jesus is the best thing you can do with your life. BUT it is wise to pause and consider that following Jesus does cost something.
This conversation with Rivertree Church pastor and church planting leader Andy Meritt kicks off a three-part series during which we will talk about some of the costs of being a disciple.
Have you ever been in a place on your spiritual journey where you just feel stuck? Where the things that have helped you feel connected with God for a while aren't really working? Spiritual Director Dr. Lori Tateshares her wisdom and practices some real-time spiritual direction with our host in the midst of their conversation about getting unstuck.
The most beneficial piece of the Para model is meeting with someone every week to talk about what God is doing in your life. This conversation captures the experience of one Para partnership from our soft launch season. Check out their experience, be encouraged, and let it spur you on in your relationships with others.
When people Google this question, I imagine they're looking for some predictable, even cliche answers. Dr. David McDonald shares some incredible insight into broader and deeper leadership lessons we can gain by looking at the life and leadership of Jesus Christ.
Through his words and actions, Jesus teaches about a kind of forgiveness that is radical, deep, and challenging. Chris Heydenburg is the pastor at Found Church in Jackson, MI. Found Church emphasizes the faith, freedom, and love found in Jesus. Appropriately, this conversation about forgiveness focuses on those three things: faith, freedom, and love.
It's such a deep talk that it's our first-ever two-part conversation. Part 1 dealt with deep, challenging forgiveness. If you haven't listened yet, go back and do that right now.
Part 2 picks up the conversation and gets into the daily opportunities we have to forgive those around us.
Through his words and actions, Jesus teaches about a kind of forgiveness that is radical, deep, and challenging. Chris Heydenburg is the pastor at Found Church in Jackson, MI. Found Church emphasizes the faith, freedom, and love found in Jesus. Appropriately, this conversation about forgiveness focuses on those three things: faith, freedom, and love.
It's such a deep talk that it's our first-ever two-part conversation. Part 1 deals with deep, challenging forgiveness. Part 2 gets into the daily opportunities we have to forgive those around us.
If you have ever searched for anything on Google, you've seen the predictive text...Google anticipates what you're going to type next and brings up the most common results so you can just pick from the list.
We're kicking off season two of the Para Podcast with a series called "What does Jesus teach about..." That was our Google search...and we're devoting four episodes to answering some of the top results.
In this episode we talk about what Jesus teaches us about love - what it is AND what it isn't. The talk is sometimes encouraging and sometimes challenging. Listen to the conversation and ask God what he wants to reveal to you through it.
It's the Para Podcast Season 1 Finale. In some ways, this episode will feel like a conclusion, but like any good show, this finale is really just paving the way for
Season 2.
Moving forward, we will shift format a little, switching to monthly episodes. The podcast will feel the same - listening in to conversations about becoming more like Jesus. That's it. You can help us, though. Email para@jaxnaz.com with questions, topic ideas, and stories. We'd love to hear from you!
Dave and Jon Ferguson wrote a book called B.L.E.S.S.: Five Everyday Ways to Love your Neighbor and Change the World. Pastor James and his wife Danielle led a Group based on that book. Pastor Bryce preached a series inspired by that book. It is so simple, yet profound.
James and Bryce co-host this episode, talking with their guests about the book in this episode. They discuss its implications and some of the ways God has borne fruit from this strategy in their lives.
Jesus served in ways we can duplicate. He found simple ways to care for the needs he saw in front of him – like washing his disciples’ feet. He also served in ways we may never be able to do – like feeding thousands of people with a sack lunch, calming a storm with a simple command, and raising people from the dead.
That’s because Jesus served according to the way he was wired. Being fully God and fully man, there are things for which he was especially gifted. You are also specially gifted to serve in ways that are unique to you...and you're the only you that has ever existed!
Becoming more generous can be intimidating. Talking about money is a social taboo. So, if you’re unsure what steps to take and can’t really talk about money, how are you supposed to take your next step?
Listen to this podcast episode for real talk about what becoming more generous has looked like for them. Guests also discuss how to manage saving and spending in a way that prioritizes generosity – complete with the successes and struggles that come with the territory.
God created everything and endowed His creation with purpose in six days. On the seventh day, God rested (Genesis 1-2). Then, He gave us the Ten Commandments, which include the instruction to honor the Sabbath by keeping it holy (Exodus 20:8-11). Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not the other way around (Mark 2:27).
Times changed a lot between Genesis and Exodus and again between Exodus and Jesus’ earthly ministry. They’ve changed a lot in the past 2,000 years, too. One constant through that change is the Sabbath. How we observe it, however, has not.
Listen in on this conversation about why our guests honor the Sabbath (beyond “the Bible says I should) and how they do it. Consider their advice and commit to putting something into practice this week.
We weren’t meant to travel this Jesus-following journey alone. God designed us for relationships and blessed us with three ways to nurture relationships through our local churches. We partner with others in larger worship gatherings, learn more about Jesus and each other in Groups, and spur one another on through close personal friendships.
The guests in this episode will talk about each kind of connection. By the end of the conversation, you will see how each helps us become more complete.
How do you get ready for church? Set an alarm clock, drink some coffee, make sure you look presentable and leave with enough time to hit Starbucks on the way to service. Right? That’s not what we mean.
How do you prepare your heart to gather with other people to consider the attributes of God and say, “Wow!”
Listen to this conversation about how our podcast guests “get ready for church.” Ask God to affirm or challenge you as you seek to become more complete through your engagement at church.
What does praying look like in real life? Is it kneeling by your bed every night? Having a conversation with Him before your feet hit the floor every morning? I can be that. I can also look quite different. In fact, to pray without ceasing, it will have to look different.
The guests on this episode talk about the different ways they’re prayed, what practices have worked for them, and which ones haven’t. They’re not presenting the best, proven, or most effective ways to pray because what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for someone else. So, listen in and reflect on your own prayer life. There might be something here that inspires or affirms you. You could also be challenged by the conversation. Keep an open mind and ask God to lead you to the next step in your prayer life.
How do we read the Bible? Not like, how should we read the Bible, but how do real people engage with God’s word in ways that resonate with them?
Listen to real talk about the approaches our guests have tried, what has worked, and what hasn’t. Figuring out the best wayto read the Bible is a process. Find yours by listening to others talk about their successes, struggles, hang-ups, and habits.
Everyone has blind spots. Discovering them can hurt, but it can also lead to becoming more faithful. Our guests talk about the blind spots in their past and how God used those to lead them to positive lifestyle changes.
As you listen, notice the lack of condemnation and abundance of grace. Let God speak to you through this conversation as you consider His response to your blind spots and pending lifestyle changes.
What does it mean to take your thoughts captive? How do we love ourselves? Negativity seems to come more naturally than positivity. Our inclination is to complain about or find fault in ourselves and others.
We don’t have to stay there, though. We can create new thought paths and see God transform our lives as we become more complete. This part of the journey can be bumpy, but you don’t have to travel alone. More people are on this path with you than you realize…and if you’re not here, someone you know is.
So, listen to this conversation and find encouragement for yourself or others in the experiences of our podcast guests.
Listen to an honest conversation about the ten characteristics of disciples. Hear which characteristics resonate with our podcast guests and which come less naturally. Pay attention to who you relate to the most and ask God to show you what to do with that.
Jesus said, "go and make disciples of the nations...teaching them to obey everything I have taught you...and I will be with you always!"
We often equate "go and tell" (evangelism) with "go and make" (discipleship). Telling people about Jesus is not the same as helping them become more like Jesus. That takes time, honesty, and vulnerability.
Welcome to the Para Podcast. Our host, Pastor James Haldane, shares how this came about and where we pray it will go.