Become New with John Ortberg

The discussion takes a deep dive into the rapture predictions, illuminating their historical failures and the psychological allure behind them. John clarifies that 'rapture' isn’t even a biblical term, urging a focus on the intended message of Revelation as comfort for the persecuted. He critiques literal interpretations of biblical symbols and emphasizes that they convey moral allegiance rather than date-setting. Ultimately, the podcast champions enduring faith and God's redemptive power over creation, encouraging believers to live faithfully in challenging times.

Explore the essence of joy, especially when life is challenging. Discover how Paul's letters inspire rejoicing even in dire circumstances. Learn how servanthood intertwines with joy, shaping a mindset of humility. Delve into the concept of resurrection joy rooted in Christ's victory over death. Uncover the dangers of automatic negative thoughts and how naming them can bring peace. Finally, embrace the power of 'amen' as a declaration of faith in God's promises.

The discussion kicks off with the probing question: What do I know to be true? John highlights five vital truths that can transform daily living. First, life is inherently good, urging listeners to embrace gratitude. Next, he emphasizes the importance of pursuing goodness and character development. Despair is deemed a fallacy, and seeking help is acknowledged as crucial. Lastly, John affirms the immense value of every person, promoting compassion and love. It's about living out these truths boldly rather than succumbing to uncertainties.

Discover how you don't need to acquire more knowledge to live a fulfilling life. Delve into the wisdom of Philippians 3, emphasizing the importance of living out what you already know. Learn about reading the Bible through an ontological lens, focusing on reality and reliability, with Psalm 23 as a key example. Hear a powerful story about Dallas Willard's calm in crises and receive a challenge to practice gospel truths like forgiveness and generosity. Embrace daily spiritual growth and transformation!

Explore the fascinating concept of spiritual forgetting, where letting go of the past fosters healing and growth. Discover how Paul in Philippians emphasizes progress over perfection, urging us to focus on what lies ahead. Learn about the benefits of forgetting, including enhanced clarity and creativity. Delve into practical strategies for releasing guilt and hurt, encapsulated in the idea of 'punch ignore.' Are you ready to stop being haunted by the past and embrace a brighter future?

Discover the deeper meaning of 'knowing Christ' as Paul emphasizes intimate understanding over mere facts. John Ortberg explores the importance of experiential knowledge through personal stories, contrasting it with resume-building accomplishments. He discusses how Jesus remains actively present in our lives today and encourages daily engagement with Him. Using relatable anecdotes, listeners learn to seek Christ in the mundane and to interact with Him through service and prayer, fostering a transformative spiritual growth journey.

Join a candid discussion exploring the transformative power of a 'failure resume,' as the team reflects on Paul's shift from pride in achievements to spiritual fulfillment. They highlight the concept of learning from setbacks and contrast the superficial narratives of failure in Silicon Valley with deeper, genuine growth. As humility and connection to faith take center stage, listeners are encouraged to create their own failure resumes, turning past experiences into marks of grace and lessons in spiritual formation.

Many of us cling to an invisible resume filled with titles and accomplishments, but true worth lies in embracing vulnerability and humility. The conversation highlights how Apostle Paul considered his past as loss compared to spiritual fulfillment. It emphasizes redefining success through love and connection instead of superficial achievements. By letting go of self-promotion, we open ourselves to deeper relationships and a richer experience of God's love. This journey encourages embracing our weaknesses as a pathway to growth.

Explore the messy and intricate nature of love and relationships. Discover how vulnerability can lead to transformative community and deeper spiritual connections. The discussion highlights Paul’s heartfelt correspondence, the trials of Epaphroditus, and the importance of embracing suffering together. Learn about Pascal’s insights on trust and the risks involved in loving others. Ultimately, find encouragement to face personal struggles while relying on God's unwavering love.

Life's complexities require authentic connections for true fulfillment. Emphasizing the importance of humility, the discussion contrasts superficial living with the profound teachings of historical figures like St. Kevin. It highlights the transformative power of intentional friendships, or 'soul friends,' that encourage spiritual growth through vulnerability and community. Ultimately, the conversation inspires listeners to embrace a deeper, more meaningful existence modeled after self-giving love.