Become New with John Ortberg

A candid look at whether technology nourishes the soul or erodes it. Reflections on how screens enable prayer and connection while fueling loneliness, anxiety, and addiction. A focus on young people, parenting struggles with devices, and practical invitations to leave virtual echo chambers for real-world life. Teases ten tech-wise guidelines and a call to choose actions that build wisdom.

A 12-week study guide is offered to help small groups explore living with an untroubled heart. The talk contrasts living under circumstances with living inside God’s care and reframes the heart as the life’s control center. Practical daily reflection questions and candid context about betrayal, fear, and Jesus’ own distress are highlighted.

A guided walk through Matthew 5 highlighting how blessing can be present amid suffering. A look at the Sermon on the Mount as a practical, world-shaping vision rather than abstract theory. Historical interpretations are surveyed and Tolstoy’s bold take is recounted. The whole teaching is tied together by the golden rule and the call to serve others.

A 12‑week study guide is offered to explore Genesis 1-3 and practical next steps for groups. The conversation spotlights God as a continual creator who gives fresh starts and sustains every moment. It contrasts the Bible’s creation story with ancient myths and offers a simple A-B-C-D-E prayer tool to help people pursue do-overs in relationships, service, health, and faith.

Jackson Lane, a Become New team member who shares personal stories, tells a tender parenting moment about his son Murphy. The conversation explores Paul’s three critics: others, ourselves, and God. It highlights a bold shift in seeing God not as a prosecutor but as a freeing friend. Short, reflective, and hopeful.

Dr. Rick Blackmon, a clinical psychologist who advises on relationships and emotional health, joins to unpack why condemnation sabotages intimacy. They explore why criticism backfires and highlight Gottman’s 4:1 positivity ratio. They explain the Four Horsemen and offer gentle startups, ownership, and self-soothing as practical ways to protect close relationships.

A practical ask: what single quality frees us from the cycle of condemnation? Short takes on how contempt corrodes culture and why we credit our side with good motives but not others. A Gospel story shows people looking to condemn rather than help. The radical suggestion: look for the image of God in people instead of ammunition or agreement.

Nancy Ortberg, author and speaker who offers conversational reflections on faith and relationships. They explore how condemnation creeps into eyebrows, tone, and posture. They talk about Jesus gathering the marginalized, the sower parable as overflowing grace, and how anonymity makes people quick moral commentators. The chat is honest, funny, and focused on learning to give grace.

A frank look at why judgment and meanness show up among people of faith. Stories from William Tyndale and reflections from Dallas Willard surface how being right can replace being Christlike. Practical invitations challenge listeners to stop proving they are right and practice kindness instead.

A messy biblical family drama unfolds with betrayal, hypocrisy, sexual scandal, and a shocking reversal. A man is forced to face his own judgmental heart and finds the start of humility and reconciliation. The story shows how flawed people are woven into a surprising family line and points to a mission of mercy rather than condemnation.