Become New with John Ortberg

A reflective tour of how suffering, loss, and doubt can reshape the way we picture God. Stories range from a parent's heartbreak to rock-bottom depression and the surprising return of trust. Conversations about grace, practical helps like medication, and finding God’s steady presence in everyday life.

A reflective look at gratitude drawn from Lou Smedes’ memoir and Scripture. Short readings explore gratitude as a primary posture toward God and life. Lessons include teaching thankfulness to children, savoring small and large gifts, and finding gratitude even amid hardship. A guided pause invites listeners to practice giving thanks.

A reflection on the two simple thoughts: God is great and God is good. Conversations about responses to suffering, including critiques of “God is dead” and process theology. Exploration of biblical images of God’s power and the hope rooted in resurrection. Speculation about mercy after death and the tension between hope for universal salvation and moral accountability.

A reflective look at pursuing friendship with God through memoir moments and scripture. Honest, vulnerable stories probe why intimacy with the divine feels distant. Discussion of listening for God in quiet seasons and the tension between human status and divine presence. Personal anecdotes show how earthly friendships can open the way to trusting God as a friend.

Delve into the intricate relationship between fundamentalism and Christian faith, exploring the importance of balancing heart and mind. Discover the origins of fundamentalism and its impact on belief systems, while advocating for intellectual engagement. The conversation highlights the tension between personal convictions and rigid literalism. Embrace the grace found in diverse expressions of faith, encouraging a thoughtful exploration of spirituality that welcomes complexity and openness.

A reflection on where God actually shows up in everyday life. A portrait of gritty, honest faith found outside expected spiritual places. The idea of two conversions: turning to Christ and being sent back into the world. Stories of finding divine presence in work, beauty, relationships, and small, ordinary moments.

A tour of Lou Smead’s frank spiritual memories and how childhood grief shaped a sour, honest prayer life. A look at separating core convictions from mere opinions. Reflections on whether our inner beliefs match our outward lives and invitations to candidly confront what we actually live by.

A journey through influential books that shape how we think. A contrast between fleeting feelings and steady thinking. Practical ideas about who controls your mind and choosing noble, true thoughts. Reflections on C.S. Lewis, repentance as 'thinking again', and pausing ten minutes to reconsider your beliefs.

A humorous story about a physicist at funerals leads into a reflection on why persons and identity matter more than mere energy. The meaning of spirit is explored through ancient words like ruach and pneuma. Two spiritual paths are contrasted: impersonal force versus a personal divine reality that transforms identity and power. The talk ends with a call to choose love and surrender over showmanship.

Alan George, pastor and online campus leader who builds spiritual communities and shares personal testimony. He talks about leading faith online and the struggle of drifting from belief. He describes his parents’ quiet prayer practices and the long patience of prayer. He explores releasing control over children and learning to wait and trust in God.