Become New with John Ortberg

A reflections on resisting the hunger for constant novelty and rediscovering contentment in daily rhythms. C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape is read to expose how restlessness corrodes joy. Plenty of practical encouragement to see routine anew, savor familiar people and tasks, and embrace steady spiritual rhythms.

Explores whether the historical and living Jesus can be known with confidence. Discusses how spirituality can be corrupted into judgment and how political aims reshape portrayals of Jesus. Traces scholarly quests to reconstruct Jesus and why those attempts often reflect the reconstructor. Invites listeners to encounter Jesus through the Gospels and prayer.

A reflection on how spirits and moods spread, not just illnesses. Thoughts on choosing to bless others instead of mirroring harm. A look at C.S. Lewis's witty Screwtape portrayal of contagious goodness. Stories about courage, belonging to a kingdom of hope, and being the fragrant presence of joy and love in everyday places.

A reflection on humility as freedom from ego and constant self-focus. A look at C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters to show how noticing virtues can undermine them. A warning about pride’s role in leadership failure and loss of learning. An invitation to begin spiritual life by admitting inability and redirecting attention toward God and others.

A short, lively reflection on desires, showing how they can either derail or restore us. Listeners get two simple invitations: do one thing you crave and one thing you resist. C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters provides the backdrop for warnings about ego, losing innocent tastes, and the need for deliberate action. The focus is on choice, transformation, and practicing small acts that shape the will.

A reflection on finding enduring joy amid sorrow and frustration. Discussion of C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters and how laughter can reveal deep joy. Stories about St. Francis, Nehemiah, and Jesus frame joy as a sustaining, God-rooted strength. Warnings about flippancy and jokes that mask vice, and how play can unexpectedly foster goodness.

A reflection on our habit of quickly dismissing people who disagree and why belonging breeds exclusion. C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape provides a lens on temptation and inner-ring desires. Discussion of how disparaging others wins social approval and keeps us from studying the culturally repugnant. A simple Five-Minute Rule practice for listening more and rushing to judgment less.

Reflections on Psalm 90's plea to 'number our days' and why awareness of finitude matters. Personal stories show how quickly life passes and why days are precious. Exploration of dwelling with God as a way to live wisely and gratefully. Discussion of C.S. Lewis's Screwtape idea that vague uneasiness blocks true repentance. A call to reclaim small moments from distractions.

A reflection on the ache of being left out and why fear of the “inner ring” warps relationships. C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters is used to spotlight how vanity, mimicry, and secret alliances corrupt character. Stories show how inner rings operate at work, school, and church. A call to choose inclusive friendship and a truer kind of belonging.

A reflection on how the word "mine" shapes entitlement and pride. Readings from C.S. Lewis spotlight claims of ownership over time, bodies, and even God. Listeners are invited to trade possessiveness for gratitude and to view life’s moments as gifts. The tone mixes sly satire with serious spiritual reflection.