Is the world getting worse? Or better? John Mark explores how the world is progressing materially and technologically, but regressing psychologically, relationally, and spiritually. He shows how, even in the midst of the good and the bad of the human condition, the resurrection of Jesus opens the door for us to live the life we're longing for.

Key Scripture Passage: Romans 8v18-25

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Alissa from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Terry from Dublin, Georgia; Jacob from Edmond, Oklahoma; John and Vicki from Bend, Oregon; and Vanassa from Los Angeles, California. Thank you all so much!

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What does it mean to be fruitful, and how do we do live fruitful lives? Gavin Bennett, Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Bridgetown Church, talks about the theme of fruitfulness throughout the Gospels, challenging us to steward our entire lives as gifts from God – even the areas that we feel aren't worth stewarding.

Key Scripture Passages: Matthew 25v 14-30, Matthew 21v18-22

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Scott from Reading, Massachusetts; Rachel from Richardson, Texas; Brandon from Peoria, Illinois; Joanne from Lebanon, Ohio; and Mallory from Peoria, Arizona. Thank you all so much!

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"Compassion isn't convenient or easy."

Christian Dawson, Pastor of Worship at Bridgetown Church, explores the parable of the Good Samaritan, challenging us to embody love and lean into compassion for others, even when it's inconvenient.

Key Scripture Passage: Luke 10v25-37

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Adam from New Braunfels, Texas; Liz from Tihiotonga, Rotorua; Melissa from Hastings, Minnesota; James from Irving, Texas; and Megan from Norwich, Norfolk. Thank you all so much!

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How can we live out Jesus' vision for our cities amidst the complexities of modern life? In this teaching, Tyler Staton offers us a compelling vision for loving our neighbors and communities, both acknowledging the obstacles we must overcome in living that vision and challenging us to reorient our values and priorities around the Kingdom of God rather than our broader culture.

Key Scripture Passage: Romans 12v2-3

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Scott from Reading, Massechussetts; Rachel from Richardson, Texas; Brandon from Peoria, Illinois; Joanne from Lebanon, Ohio; and Mallory from Peoria, Arizona. Thank you all so much!

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"Wealth quickly becomes destructive for those who don't respect its power."

Tyler Staton, Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church, examines Jesus' teaching that "you cannot serve God and Mammon." He shows us how wealth promises what it can't deliver, and encourages us to defy the deformative power of money by serving the poor, practicing generosity, and dying to our false selves.

Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 6v19-24

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Deborah from Abingdon, UK; Sydney from Bothell, Washington; Elizabeth from Grapevine, Texas; Brittany from Houston, Texas; and Tim from Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Thank you all so much!

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What keeps us from meaningful connection? Bethany Allen, Elder and Associate Pastor at Bridgetown Church, talks about what obstacles we face when walking out Jesus' invitation to live like family, challenging us to face our limits and become truly vulnerable in our close relationships.

Key Scripture Passage: Mark 3v31-35

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Mary Jane from Lithia Springs, Georgia; Chloe from Lakewood, Colorado; Colton from Flagstaff, Arizona; Graham from Clarkesville, Georgia; and Sara from Cedar Falls, Iowa. Thank you all so much!

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How do you measure your spiritual growth? Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church, tracks the theme of fruit and fruitfulness through the gospel of Matthew, showing us that for Jesus, love is the goal of spiritual formation. Tyler shares common ways that we lose sight of this goal and challenges us to reorient our spiritual practices around becoming people of love.

Key Scripture Passage: Matthew 7v15-20, Matthew 12v1-37, Matthew 22v34-40, Matthew 20v29-33

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Sarah from Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Jenny from Eagan, Minnesota; Andrew from Fort Wayne, Indiana; Kathy from Keizer, Oregon; and Kevin from Pleasanton, California. Thank you all so much!

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"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

John Mark delves into the idea that true peace is more than the absence of conflict—it is a profound inner state offered as a gift from God. He encourages listeners to cultivate this peace of heart as a vital part of their discipleship and witness in a world filled with fear and anxiety.

Key Scripture Passage: John 20v19-22

This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: John from Chapin, South Carolina; Corey from Hixson, Tennessee; Dalton from Liberty, Kentucky; Nick from San Antonio, Texas; and Rhonda from San Jose, California. Thank you all so much!

If you’d like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.