Become New with John Ortberg

Discover the radical call for gentleness in today's world. Explore how Paul contrasts gentleness with traditional zeal, a quality he admired before a life-changing encounter. Reflect on the significance of gentleness, highlighted through literary characters and personal stories. Learn about Jesus' redefinition of zeal, transforming it from violence to self-giving love. This enlightening conversation encourages listeners to embody gentleness, making it a powerful, visible trait in their lives.

Explore the profound idea of God's presence throughout the Bible, from Adam and Eve to Moses. Discover the beauty of experiencing God's nearness in creation and through people. Learn how to integrate the thought of 'the Lord is near' into daily life for a richer spiritual journey. John Ortberg highlights the accessibility of God and the importance of an open heart in receiving that connection. Take on challenges for small acts of obedience to deepen your relationship with the divine.

Join Pastor Steve Clifford as he shares his journey of trusting God through life's changes and losses. He highlights the powerful phrase 'whatever happens' from Philippians, and how it anchored him during transitions. Steve emphasizes living with confidence in God’s presence, finding hope even in later ages, and reframing good and bad days based on faith rather than circumstances. He also shares insightful stories of unexpected divine encounters, urging us to let our true experiences shine as authentic testimonies.

Discover how joy transcends mere mood, transforming into a peace-filled worldview that embraces both hardships and blessings. Learn from the teachings of Jerry Hawthorne and the Apostle Paul about joy's resilient nature, which defies sorrow and fear. Explore the distinction between genuine joy and forced positivity, and understand how joy is rooted in trust and vulnerability. Ultimately, find out how serving others can be a powerful pathway to experiencing true joy.

Delve into the transformative journey of reconciliation, exploring a powerful metaphor of a cathedral door as a gateway to vulnerability. Discover how narratives of grievance can fuel anger and conflict, and learn reflective questions to identify these stories. Unpack the courage it takes to embrace love over pride, illustrated through a historical Irish feud. John emphasizes practical steps to foster harmony within communities, inviting listeners to embrace shared humanity for genuine reconciliation.

This discussion invites listeners to shift their perception of others, inspired by the Good Samaritan story. It emphasizes seeing people not as problems but as individuals in need of compassion. John contrasts technological insights with divine perspective, encouraging a deeper, more loving view of humanity. Listeners are urged to develop a moral lens rooted in genuine understanding, leading to spiritual growth. Practical applications and a heartfelt prayer help wrap up this enlightening exploration.

Discover how the pursuit of status can lead to emptiness and that true brilliance lies in humble service. With insights from Paul's teachings, learn how trusting God's will rather than personal ambition illuminates our lives. Hear a humorous cat story illustrating our struggles with pride, and explore how ancient seating customs reflect today's obsession with honor. Finally, get practical tips on how to shine by serving others instead of chasing fame, embracing the transformative power of love and humility.

Discover the power of two pivotal questions: What am I learning? and What am I teaching? Delve into the idea that learning transcends traditional methods, focusing instead on love and living well. Explore the influence of mentors and how they shape our spiritual journeys. John also shares intriguing insights from his golf experiences, highlighting the influence of role models. This engaging discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their everyday actions and the profound lessons they impart to others.

In this engaging conversation, Michael Wear, Founder and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and author of The Spirit of Our Politics, discusses the vital role of faith in navigating American politics. He emphasizes that we are active participants, not just observers, in democratic processes. Wear argues for infusing politics with moral light to combat darkness and highlights the dangers of hatred and contempt. The discussion encourages hope and grace in civic engagement, reminding us to be a countercultural presence in a divided world.

What does the Bible really say about the Antichrist and end times? The discussion clears up myths around the figure of the Antichrist, emphasizing it as a spirit of opposition rather than a single entity. The concept of 'Great Tribulation' is rooted in real historical pain, rather than mere prediction. The meaning behind 666 is unpacked, linked to Nero, and Armageddon is revealed as symbolic rather than a literal battle. Ultimately, faithfulness, hope, and a creative eternal life with Christ are the key takeaways, not a fear of bureaucracy.