Gospel Spice
The podcast that spices up your time with God! Life is too short for tasteless food. Is staleness lurking in the pages of Scripture? Could the Christian faith prove spicier than you’ve experienced? If you’re a spiritual foodie looking
See more
for a flavor explosion in your journey with God, Gospel Spice is your new secret ingredient. The entire Bible is seasoned with exotic Middle Eastern spiritual spices long lost to our twenty-first century Western palate. Join Stephanie Rousselle and her guests, and follow Jesus to discover the original Jewish cultural flavors as He intended! Every week, Stephanie shares truth from Scripture and invites you to dig deeper in your faith to delight in the glory of God.
Channels
Older episodes
- 145Embrace the power of humility | with Richard Foster and Brenda QuinnStephanie is delighted to welcome Richard Foster, the author of one of the most influential books in her life, Celebration of Discipline. Today, Richard, with Brenda Quinn, talk about the power of learning humility. He tells Stephanie, “The practice of humility has made me playful and free.” In our culture of raging narcissism, Richard calls humility the "vanishing virtue." He says that practicing humility has been "playful, freeing, fun, and freedom from [his] need to feel important." How wonderful!When Stephanie asks about how to learn humility, Richard answers, “We learn humility by taking up other tasks, like serving others.”Richard explains that humility is a secret gift that keeps on giving. He says, “one of the things we need to learn is to embrace and enjoy anonymity.”Richard encourages us to develop a passion for culture, encouraging each one if us to keep on living at the intersection of culture and Scripture here at Gospel Spice. He says, “look for the finger of God at work through every culture.” He adds, “in every culture there are things that are consonant with Scripture, and some that are dissonant. Our task is to discern among them.”In a society where raging narcissism dominates the moral landscape, the virtue of humility is often dismissed as irrelevant. Not only is humility vanishing from contemporary culture, but we are also witnessing how destructive a lack of humility has become among our churches and ministry leaders. And yet, Richard Foster, the founder of Renovare, insists that humility is central to the journey toward character formation and spiritual transformation. For this reason he decided to spend a year studying the virtue of humility.Using the Lakota calendar as a framework, Foster provides us with a look into the insights he gathered from sources ranging from Native American culture to Julian of Norwich to Scripture to personal friends. By engaging with both the spiritual classics and Foster's own experiences, Learning Humility provides profound insight into what humility can look like in our current cultural climate.Join Richard Foster on Gospel Spice today, and embrace the journey toward a life of humility, which he says leads us into "freedom, joy, and holy hilarity."MEET RICHARD FOSTERRichard Foster is founder, past president and current team member of Renovaré. Having studied at George Fox and Fuller Theological Seminary, Foster has served as a pastor and taught worldwide on spiritual formation. Author of dozens of articles and six books, including Celebration of Discipline, Richard continues to write on the spiritual life. He and his wife, Carolynn, have two grown children, Joel and Nathan, nine grandchildren, and live near Denver, Colorado.Discover more at https://renovare.org/MEET BRENDA QUINNBrenda Quinn is a pastor of spiritual formation in the Foursquare church and a writer of many years. She is also the author of the character profiles in the Life with God Bible. Brenda Quinn, former staff editor for Serendipity House and editorial coordinator for MOPS International, Inc., is cowriter of study guides for both "The Jesus I Never Knew" and "What’s So Amazing About Grace?" She coauthored the devotional "Meet the Bible" with Philip Yancey. Brenda lives with her husband and son in Colorado.NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 146Faithful and true | Who our God is!God has been truly faithful to each one of us in this communal Gospel Spice journey. You, our beloved listener, is the reason why we started, the reason why we keep doing this week after week. Walking alongside you in your journey of faith, finding God at work in the every day and in the grand moments, and praising Him. Seeking Him and finding Him, delighting in Him and beholding His glory - that is the essence of life. It is meant to be a life lived in community - you and me, you and us, together. So, with humble gratitude, a heartfelt thank-you to you who are reading these lines and listening to (or watching) this episode. The best celebrations in life take place when we are surrounded with family and loved ones. So, today we are celebrating God's enduring faithfulness over 200 episodes by digging behind the scenes and spending quality time with Him through three very special women who have profoundly shaped Gospel Spice - each one in her own God-given way. Linda invites us to embrace the love that comes from God. Angel challenges us to stay on mission for the Kingdom. Lindsay reminds us to trust God for deeper things. Linda, Angel and Lindsay have done more to serve you, than you might know! So today Stephanie spends time with them and invites you to pull up a chair, put the kettle on for some tea or coffee, or maybe take us on a walk or on the road today with you. Scoot in, there is a place for you right here with us. We pray these conversations uplift you and encourage you to keep delighting in the glory of God today, tomorrow and every day! THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY!First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact.Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast. And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us!NEW!Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours.MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY:Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status.Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely free, but we would truly love your support.We want the money to go to those who really need it. Once our operating costs are paid, 100% of your donation is redistributed to our partners who fight human trafficking. Each year, we aim to give as much as we can. For example, Stephanie works more than full time for Gospel Spice, entirely for free. All board members and volunteers are donating time. We limit our operational expenses to the bare minimum.Your pay-it-forward donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170.We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Thank you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogThe perfect gift for everyone - apparel, drinkware, stickers and more for all the women, men and kids in your life!https://www.gospelspice.com/merchGo to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 147A home in bloom | with Christie PurifoyChristie Purifoy is Stephanie’s near-neighbor and dear, dear friend. They invite you in the conversation to deepen our relationship with God through simple ways to add beauty to your home through flowers, year round. What does gardening teach us about intimacy with Him? How do flowers invite us to trust Him through the seasons of life – the seasons of abundance, or growth, but also of winter, wilderness, and waiting?Through enchanting prose and delightful activities, avid writer, gardener and place-maker Christie Purifoy invites you to capture the curious magic of the garden and bring its life and joy into your home this season. A flower garden is a place where endless possibilities are contemplated (and celebrated), where reason bows to beauty, and practicality gives way to whimsy. It’s where we sink our roots deep, lean into the rhythms of each season, and wish for beautiful things to grow.Stephanie has been labelled a “black thumb” as a child – meaning, she is more apt to kill a plant, than to give it the environment to thrive! Can she cultivate a home in bloom? Christie brings hope to this helpless flower-killer who constantly seeks beauty in all areas of her life.Christie and Stephanie had initially met a few weeks before they recorded Christie’s first guest appearance on Gospel Spice, back in 2022. And now they are together again to discuss Christie’s latest book, A home in bloom, and its deep ramifications in our spiritual lives and our relationships with one another.MORE ABOUT A HOME IN BLOOMA HOME IN BLOOM is the second book in the trilogy that started with GARDEN MAKER. They go so well together, both visually and thematically, that it would be a shame not to own both of them! They make the perfect Mother’s day gift, among many other gift occasions.This fully photographed guide shows you how to enjoy the many gifts the garden offers inside your own home, transforming your living spaces into places filled with warmth and wonder. Each season, Christie shares her notes on what to plant and walks you through easy projects that will surely become lifelong practices that help you bring the outdoors in.Learn how to grow your house into a home in bloom.Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Bloom-Enchanted-Seasons-Flowers/dp/0736982167A Home in Bloom is now available online and in local stores everywhere!MORE ABOUT CHRISTIE PURIFOYChristie is a writer and avid gardener. She earned a PhD in English Literature from the University of Chicago and has taught literature and composition at the undergraduate level. Her books include Garden Maker: Growing a Life of Beauty and Wonder with Flowers, Roots and Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons, and Placemaker: Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace. She explores her love of gardening and all things beautiful at her Victorian farmhouse in southeastern Pennsylvania.Meet Christie at https://www.christiepurifoy.com/NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 148Abide deeply in Christ | with Amanda Jenkins | The ChosenAmanda Jenkins returns on the Gospel Spice Podcast today for a deep dive into what it means to abide in Christ in ever-growing ways. She talks with Stephanie about discovering new dimensions of relationship with Jesus, and the importance of experiential knowledge and resting in Him. Amanda tells us how her family is faring through seasons of The Chosen, with a focus on discipling older children. She and Dallas have four children, aged 22, 20, 18 and 16. How are they parenting through the show, and towards intimacy with Christ? Amanda shares the power of intentionality and the necessity of embracing mistakes to grow from them. She tells us how she and Dallas have nurtured a family culture for open conversations and for making God the center of their daily lives. She shares what it looks like to surrender your children to God at every age. She also shares with us, in a fun, whimsical ways, what plans she and Dallas have to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this week!We also invite you to watch this conversation on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/i7fB68uKG_8?feature=oembedIn the second half of the conversation, which will air as our next episode, Amanda shares some of the recent personal struggles and sufferings she and her family have endured, how they have grown in the Lord through it, and what she has learned about herself and, more essentially, about God.DISCOVER THE CHOSENBest show of the century. Everything is at https://new.thechosen.tv/We cannot recommend Amanda's Bible Studies enough. Get all of them today at https://new.thechosen.tv/collections/books NEW BONUS! GO DEEPER WITH OUR REFLECTION QUESTIONS ON THIS EPISODE1. What does it mean to abide in Christ? How does this look different for each individual?2. How can we grow our relationships with our children and disciple them as they grow older?3. How do different families approach nightly devotionals or Bible study time?4. What can we learn from David's practice of turning his attention to God's character in times of lament? How can we apply this to our own lives?5. How does suffering impact our relationship with God? Can it draw us closer to Him or drive us away?6. How can we release control and trust God with our children's emotional development and spiritual growth?7. What are some natural challenges to reentry after a spouse has been away, and how can intentional conversations help with the transition back to normalcy?8. In what ways can we seek God when things are going smoothly and not get complacent in our faith?9. How can we avoid the temptation to seek validation from people instead of God? What are some practical ways to focus on abiding in Christ instead of looking to others for approval?10. How have our standards and priorities changed as we have matured in our relationship with God? What helps us to recognize what is worth fighting for and what is not? Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 149Discover how God's goodness eclipses our suffering | with Amanda Jenkins | The ChosenAmanda Jenkins shares about the 25th wedding anniversary she and Dallas are celebrating TODAY, JUNE 13, 2023! Happy anniversary to one of our favorite couples out there. Twenty-five years is a beautiful milestone and a testament to God's faithfulness through and in you! We love you and honor the Lord alongside you.Amanda and Stephanie talk about the crucible of suffering as the unavoidable process which our gentle Lord uses to refine us and keep us closely tied to His side, for our protection and growth. She explains how recent intense pain has led her to write the Bible Study that will soon release alongside season 4 of the show. She explains how she has discovered how God's goodness truly can eclipse our suffering - not in a pollyanna way at all, but through the pain and the daily releasing to Him who is more than able to bear it. We can only endure suffering when we are deeply rooted in who God is. As Amanda shares some of the recent personal struggles and sufferings she and her family have endured, she reveals how they have grown in the Lord through it, and what she has learned about herself and, more essentially, about God.Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ziOcbz1ny9UIn our previous episode with Amanda, she talked with Stephanie about discovering new dimensions of relationship with Jesus, and the importance of experiential knowledge and resting in Him. Amanda told us how her family is faring through seasons of The Chosen, with a focus on discipling older children. She and Dallas have four children, aged 22, 20, 18 and 16. How are they parenting through the show, and towards intimacy with Christ? Amanda shared the power of intentionality and the necessity of embracing mistakes to grow from them. She told Stephanie how she and Dallas have nurtured a family culture for open conversations and for making God the center of their daily lives. She shared what it looks like to surrender your children to God at every age.We also invite you to watch this conversation on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice DISCOVER THE CHOSENBest show of the century. Everything is at https://new.thechosen.tv/We cannot recommend Amanda's Bible Studies enough. Get all of them today at https://new.thechosen.tv/collections/books NEW BONUS! GO DEEPER WITH OUR REFLECTION QUESTIONS ON THIS EPISODE1. What does it mean to abide in Christ? How does this look different for each individual?2. How can we grow our relationships with our children and disciple them as they grow older?3. How do different families approach nightly devotionals or Bible study time?4. What can we learn from David's practice of turning his attention to God's character in times of lament? How can we apply this to our own lives?5. How does suffering impact our relationship with God? Can it draw us closer to Him or drive us away?6. How can we release control and trust God with our children's emotional development and spiritual growth?7. What are some natural challenges to reentry after a spouse has been away, and how can intentional conversations help with the transition back to normalcy?8. In what ways can we seek God when things are going smoothly and not get complacent in our faith?9. How can we avoid the temptation to seek validation from people instead of God? What are some practical ways to focus on abiding in Christ instead of looking to others for approval?10. How have our standards and priorities changed as we have matured in our relationship with God? What helps us to recognize what is worth fighting for and what is not? DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries.In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God.In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus.PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family.PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people!Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog(*ListenNotes ranking, 2023)Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 150Answers to “toxic masculinity” | with Professor Nancy Pearcey | Part 1Toxic masculinity. You have heard the term. Where does it come from? What does it mean? What is the Biblical framework we need today as Christian men and women to tackle this hot button in our culture wars? Stephanie welcomes Professor Nancy Pearcey to discuss the history, context, and biblical solutions for our generation. One of Stephanie’s favorite quotes from Professor Pearcey is found in the book they are discussing today: “Christians should read with their worldview antennae poised to pick up underlying messages.”On this episode of Gospel Spice, host Stephanie Rousselle interviews best-selling author and speaker Nancy Pearcey about her upcoming book, "The Toxic War on Masculinity." Pearcey shares her personal journey from questioning her faith in high school to becoming a Christian through Schaefer's cultural apologetics approach. They explore the impact of Darwinism on our concepts of masculinity, the importance of understanding the worldview expressed in literature, and the value of a biblical approach to apologetics. Pearcey's writing focuses on cultural apologetics to address questions and provide answers for young people today, and her upcoming book provides insightful theological answers to the issue of toxic behavior in men. This episode is full of thought-provoking insights that will challenge listeners to think deeply about their faith and the culture around them.It has become socially acceptable to express open hostility against men even in respected media outlets. "Why Can't We Hate Men?" asks the Washington Post. Almost half of American men agree with the statement, “These days society seems to punish men just for acting like men.” In her new book, the bestselling author of LOVE THY BODY Nancy R. Pearcey explains how secularism has villainized the concept of masculinity.Stephanie welcomes Professor Pearcey in a two-part interview and, together they discuss topics that Stephanie chose from the book, and from Nancy’s whole message throughout her many books:1. How have the roles of men and women have fluctuated throughout human history? How is this essential context to understand where we are today?2. Scientific Darwinism is mostly discredited today. How about social Darwinism? How is this generation equipped to handle it?3. How is the history of fatherhood relevant to the ruse of toxic versions of masculinity?4. What did men lose through the industrial revolution that they have not yet regained? What about women?5. How much do you think that your analysis applies to cultures outside the framework of Western thought?6. Tell us about the role of the workplace in making men more present fathers.7. How did culture occasionally take men “off the hook” and demand of women to “tame” them? How is this influential today?8. What about the response of the church in centuries past, and today?MORE ABOUT THE BOOKPurchase the book here: The Toxic War on MasculinityIn three parts, “The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes” reveals the surprising answers to questions such as:• Where did the idea come from that masculinity is “toxic”?• What impact did secularism have on the script for masculinity?• How do Christian men shatter the negative stereotypes?Let’s face it: When people complain that masculinity is toxic, they often point to evangelical men as their prime example. But findings from the social sciences debunk those charges. Research shows that committed Christian men who attend church regularly test out as the most loving and engaged husbands and fathers.These facts show that Christianity has the power to overcome toxic behavior in men and reconcile the sexes—an unexpected finding that has stood up to rigorous empirical testing. We should be bold in bringing it into the public square.“Masculine traits are not intrinsically toxic. They are good when directed to virtuous ends,” Pearcey writes. “The Bible calls men to be both tough and tender, both courageous and caring. Men who know they are made in God’s image can be full persons, reflecting all the rich dimensions of God’s own character.” MORE ABOUT PROFESSOR PEARCEYNancy Pearcey is the author of the upcoming book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her most recently published book is Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality. Her earlier books include The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."More at www.nancypearcey.com/Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 151How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes | with Nancy Pearcey | Part 2On this episode of Gospel Spice, join Stephanie Rousselle in part two of her conversation with Professor Nancy Pearcey about toxic masculinity and the decline of the secular script for men. They explore Pearcey's book and discuss the cultural shifts and societal pressures that affect men today. They also share insightful research on the positive impact of Christianity on family dynamics and gender roles around the world. Finally, they discuss practical solutions for workplaces to promote better work-life balance for fathers and mothers alike. Listen in to learn more!Nancy Pearcey is an author and speaker who focuses on cultural, philosophical, and religious issues. She believes that toxic behavior in men can be reduced with better fathers. This is because the father-son relationship is crucial to the development of healthy masculinity, and currently, 40% of children in the United States are growing up without their natural fathers. Pearcey also explains that fathers are often mocked and ridiculed in the media, leading to a decline in men's motivation to become fathers. The Industrial Revolution disrupted the male-female and father-child relationships since fathers had to follow their work out of the home. This led to fathers being portrayed as irrelevant and incompetent parents. Pearcey suggests that practical solutions could involve tweaking the workplace to allow men to work from home more. During the pandemic, many fathers got closer to their children and discovered they enjoyed working from home, leading them to desire more balance between work and home life. Pearcey indicates through anecdotes that finding alternatives to the traditional industrial work situation is possible and necessary to achieve this balance.It has become socially acceptable to express open hostility against men even in respected media outlets. "Why Can't We Hate Men?" asks the Washington Post. Almost half of American men agree with the statement, “These days society seems to punish men just for acting like men.” In her new book, the bestselling author of LOVE THY BODY Nancy R. Pearcey explains how secularism has villainized the concept of masculinity.Toxic masculinity. You have heard the term. Where does it come from? What does it mean? What is the Biblical framework we need today as Christian men and women to tackle this hot button in our culture wars? Stephanie welcomes Professor Nancy Pearcey to discuss the history, context, and biblical solutions for our generation. One of Stephanie’s favorite quotes from Professor Pearcey is found in the book they are discussing today: “Christians should read with their worldview antennae poised to pick up underlying messages.”Stephanie welcomes Professor Pearcey in a two-part interview and, together they discuss topics that Stephanie chose from the book, and from Nancy’s whole message throughout her many books:1. How have the roles of men and women have fluctuated throughout human history? How is this essential context to understand where we are today?2. Scientific Darwinism is mostly discredited today. How about social Darwinism? How is this generation equipped to handle it?3. How is the history of fatherhood relevant to the ruse of toxic versions of masculinity?4. What did men lose through the industrial revolution that they have not yet regained? What about women?5. How much do you think that your analysis applies to cultures outside the framework of Western thought?6. Tell us about the role of the workplace in making men more present fathers.7. How did culture occasionally take men “off the hook” and demand of women to “tame” them? How is this influential today?8. What about the response of the church in centuries past, and today?MORE ABOUT THE BOOKPurchase the book here: The Toxic War on MasculinityIn three parts, “The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes” reveals the surprising answers to questions such as:• Where did the idea come from that masculinity is “toxic”?• What impact did secularism have on the script for masculinity?• How do Christian men shatter the negative stereotypes?Let’s face it: When people complain that masculinity is toxic, they often point to evangelical men as their prime example. But findings from the social sciences debunk those charges. Research shows that committed Christian men who attend church regularly test out as the most loving and engaged husbands and fathers.These facts show that Christianity has the power to overcome toxic behavior in men and reconcile the sexes—an unexpected finding that has stood up to rigorous empirical testing. We should be bold in bringing it into the public square.“Masculine traits are not intrinsically toxic. They are good when directed to virtuous ends,” Pearcey writes. “The Bible calls men to be both tough and tender, both courageous and caring. Men who know they are made in God’s image can be full persons, reflecting all the rich dimensions of God’s own character.” MORE ABOUT PROFESSOR PEARCEYNancy Pearcey is the author of the upcoming book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her most recently published book is Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality. Her earlier books include The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."More at www.nancypearcey.com/Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 152Equipping our kids to face culture biblically | with Elizabeth Urbanowicz | Part 1Children are constantly exposed to false ideas. They are constantly bombarded with content from various sources, shaping their young minds in a rapidly changing world. As a parent or any Christian working with kids, it's essential to equip them to pursue truth and embrace a biblical worldview. Does the child in your care know how to discern what is true and what is false? Today, Stephanie welcomes Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to discuss the essential role of adults in raising children with the tools to critically approach the surrounding culture. Elizabeth helps Christian parents equip their children to think biblically and to carefully evaluate every idea they encounter. Foundation Worldview serves children as young as 4 years, and until they reach High School.This month, Gospel Spice offers a parenting series for all adults who have children in their lives – as parents, aunts and uncles, family members and friends, as well as youth group leaders, children ministry leaders, and more. With each episode, we tackle a different aspect of the essential stewardship of the children in our lives so that we will equip the next generation with the right tools to embrace fullness of faith in a changing world.Discover Foundation Worldview: https://foundationworldview.com/aboutMEET ELIZABETH URBANOWICZElizabeth Urbanowicz is a follower of Jesus Christ who is passionate about equipping kids to understand the truth of the Christian worldview.She holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth began her professional career as an elementary teacher in a Christian school.Several years into her teaching experience, Elizabeth realized that despite being raised in Christian homes, attending a Christian school, and being active in church, her students thought more like the culture than like Christ. Elizabeth began searching for curricular materials that would equip her students to think critically, helping them discover that Christianity is the worldview that lines up with reality. After not finding any materials that met this need, she began creating a curriculum for her students.Elizabeth first taught Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum as an after-school class for third through fifth graders, and the results were incredible! Students were transformed from passive recipients of information to active evaluators of every message they receive. Parents and teachers alike noticed the impact these materials had on students’ media consumption, academic achievement, and everyday habits. This transformation lasted beyond the elementary years and guided students’ thinking in junior high and beyond.Elizabeth now works full-time on developing comparative worldview and apologetics resources for children. Her goal is to prepare the next generation to be lifelong critical thinkers and, most importantly, lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 153Equipping our kids to face culture biblically | Part 2On this episode of Gospel Spice, Elizabeth Urbanowicz joins us for a discussion on equipping children with a biblical worldview. She shares about her organization, Foundation Worldview, which provides resources for parents and Christian leaders to teach children how to evaluate ideas through the lens of Scripture. We discuss the importance of discipleship within the home, stewardship of time and activities, and how to find a local church. Elizabeth also shares about her new curriculum, Attributes of God, for kids 4 and up, as well as the importance of teaching children to think well and critically. She and Stephanie talk about on the importance of role modeling rest and balance, and teaching children the gospel from an early age. The episode ends with an emphasis on the importance of investing in what matters and assessing how we invest our time and activities. Tune in to discover how you can help equip the next generation to follow God's plan and resist cultural pressures.Children are constantly exposed to false ideas. They are constantly bombarded with content from various sources, shaping their young minds in a rapidly changing world. As a parent or any Christian working with kids, it's essential to equip them to pursue truth and embrace a biblical worldview. Does the child in your care know how to discern what is true and what is false? Today, Stephanie welcomes Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to discuss the essential role of adults in raising children with the tools to critically approach the surrounding culture. Elizabeth helps Christian parents equip their children to think biblically and to carefully evaluate every idea they encounter. Foundation Worldview serves children as young as 4 years, and until they reach High School.This month, Gospel Spice offers a parenting series for all adults who have children in their lives – as parents, aunts and uncles, family members and friends, as well as youth group leaders, children ministry leaders, and more. With each episode, we tackle a different aspect of the essential stewardship of the children in our lives so that we will equip the next generation with the right tools to embrace fullness of faith in a changing world. Join us as we explore practical ways to raise children to have a strong foundation in Christ and be equipped to evaluate ideas that come their way.The interview covers topics such as the importance of fulfilling the command to be fruitful and multiply, how to role model rest, and the importance of giving children a firm foundation in the gospel. Elizabeth shares her own journey starting from an afterschool class for third through sixth graders and how Foundation Worldview grew from there. Listeners are encouraged to invest in what really matters, practice biblical hospitality, and assess how they invest their time.Discover Foundation Worldview: https://foundationworldview.com/aboutBONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER (ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND!)1. What are some of the biblical promises that Elizabeth and Stephanie reference that can help alleviate the fear associated with raising children?2. How can raising children be seen as fulfilling God's mission, and what are some of the risks and rewards involved?3. What are some of the key attributes of God that Elizabeth Urbanowicz's curriculum for kids focuses on? Why do you think these are essential?4. Why is it important to introduce children to the gospel at a young age, and how can parents and influencers of children help them think critically from Scripture?5. What are some of the challenges associated with discipling children in today's culture, and how can families prioritize discipleship across other activities or entertainment?6. Why is commitment to a local church important, and how can families foster unity within the church through hospitality and community involvement?7. What are some of the societal norms that the conversation urges listeners to reevaluate in light of biblical values, particularly with regards to children's education and extracurricular activities?8. How can teaching foundational skills in critical thinking and evaluating ideas help prepare children for facing cultural issues related to gender and sexuality?9. What inspired Elizabeth Urbanowicz to start Foundation Worldview, and what does the organization aim to provide for parents and educators?10. What can be gained through family-led spiritual growth and learning together?MEET ELIZABETH URBANOWICZElizabeth Urbanowicz is a follower of Jesus Christ who is passionate about equipping kids to understand the truth of the Christian worldview.She holds a B.S. from Gordon College in Elementary Education and Spanish, an M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education, and an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Elizabeth began her professional career as an elementary teacher in a Christian school.Several years into her teaching experience, Elizabeth realized that despite being raised in Christian homes, attending a Christian school, and being active in church, her students thought more like the culture than like Christ. Elizabeth began searching for curricular materials that would equip her students to think critically, helping them discover that Christianity is the worldview that lines up with reality. After not finding any materials that met this need, she began creating a curriculum for her students.Elizabeth first taught Foundation Comparative Worldview Curriculum as an after-school class for third through fifth graders, and the results were incredible! Students were transformed from passive recipients of information to active evaluators of every message they receive. Parents and teachers alike noticed the impact these materials had on students’ media consumption, academic achievement, and everyday habits. This transformation lasted beyond the elementary years and guided students’ thinking in junior high and beyond.Elizabeth now works full-time on developing comparative worldview and apologetics resources for children. Her goal is to prepare the next generation to be lifelong critical thinkers and, most importantly, lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 154Life-Changing Hospitality | with Janell WoodDare to dream about living a big life for the glory of God! That is our theme today, through seemingly mundane examples of daily faithfulness and stewardship. Today, Stephanie welcomes Janell Wood, who was inspired to host exchange students and turn it into a ministry. Hosting these students has not only impacted their lives but has also transformed Janell's life in the process. Stephanie was a foreign exchange student from France when she was 17 (30 years ago this year!) and, as you may know, she gave her life to Jesus at the end of her year there. She is a living proof example of the power of faithfulness when a family welcomes a student in their home and shares Christ faithfully--albeit imperfectly. Being real and authentic is what matters. Janell therefore encourages us to be authentic and to ask God for guidance in making decisions that might affect our lives. Together, Stephanie and Janell talk about faith and daring to trust God to live a big life for His glory. Janell also discusses the importance of exposing her kids to different worldviews and traditions through hosting exchange students. In her ministry, Janell interviews young women who have questions about God and belief, and they speak with various Christian apologists to address these questions. Janell emphasizes the importance of being faithful in one's spiritual walk, and of loving God and our neighbors.BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER1. How has Janell's experience hosting exchange students challenged and transformed her faith in God?2. Janell talks about embracing change and stepping out in faith. What are some examples of where you see this in your own life?3. Janell emphasizes the importance of being authentic and seeking God's guidance. How do you remain authentic in your relationships and life experiences?4. How has apologetics helped you to address your own doubts and uncertainties about faith?5. What can we learn from Janell's approach to sharing her faith with others she meets in her work?6. How has traveling and experiencing different cultures impacted your worldview and faith?7. Janell's family intentionally exposes their children to different worldviews. Have you had conversations with your own family, friends, or colleagues about faith differences and how to love others well through those differences?8. What can we do to "offer our lives" to God and be obedient to His call in our lives, even when we don't necessarily see the results?9. How do you handle fear or doubt when stepping out in faith to do something new or challenging?10. How can we seek God's guidance in making decisions that might impact our lives or the lives of those around us?MEET JANELL WOODJanell Wood is a devoted wife and mother of four children who grew up in a Christian household and gave her life to Christ at an early stage. Although she experienced her own doubts and struggles with faith, she felt a nudge to go all-in for the Lord after reading Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love. Fueled by this call to action, Janell and her husband decided to do something extraordinary and ended up hosting exchange students from different parts of the world. Starting from the Netherlands, they now have hosted five exchange students and hope to host more! The experience has been life-changing for Janell, who now views this ministry as a way of opening her heart up to young women from different backgrounds who have never known someone who deeply loves the Lord. The journey has not been without its challenges, but Janell has found that God has been working in her life along the way.Find Janell at https://www.janellmwood.com/If you want more info about hosting foreign exchange students, go to www.efexchangeyear.org If you want to get connected with Janell directly on this topic, meet her at https://efexchangeyear.org/iec/janell-wood/ or email her at janellmwood@gmail.com NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 155Cultivate childlike wonder | with Catherine LarsonStephanie welcomes Catherine Larson to discuss how we can learn from children to nurture a sense of wonder in our own lives, a Christlike childlikeness, even amidst the busy lives of parenting and everyday life with children. This conversation invites all of us, whether we have young children at home or not, to cultivate the wonder that will allow us to enter deeper in intimacy with God every day.A busy author, homemaker, and mother of six young boys, Catherine invites us to enjoy how children use their five senses to enter their appreciation for God's creation. She challenges us to use playfulness to enter the world as children, focusing on positive moments instead of frustrations. She shares her own tips to nurture wonder in our kids and in ourselves, like for example the creation of personal space for children to experience quiet time, and taking a Sabbath day for rest and renewal. She reminds us of our God-given need for church community and connection, and the paradoxical use of technology in connecting and isolating people.BONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND1. What are some ways in which children can help us grow in our faith and relationship with God?2. How can play and experiencing the world through a child's eyes help us release our worries and be more present in the moment?3. What is your opinion on taking a Sabbath day for rest and renewal as suggested by the speaker?4. In what ways has technology both isolated and connected you with others, and which of these have you found to be more helpful?5. How has COVID-19 impacted your sense of community and the importance of fellowship?6. In what ways do you intentionally seek out opportunities to connect with others and build relationships?7. Have you ever considered journaling and recording prayers and love notes for your child during pregnancy or the first year of their life? Why or why not?8. How do you intentionally cultivate wonder in your daily life and with those around you?9. What does it mean to you to be childlike rather than childish, and how can you practice this in your relationships and daily life?10. Have you read any books or used resources that have been particularly helpful in your spiritual journey as a mother or caretaker? If so, which ones and how have they impacted you?MEET CATHERINE LARSON“Hi! I’m Catherine, lover of dappled light, and Blue Ridge hues, of closing my days nestled in my husband’s prayers, and of mornings which bud with baby coos and the voices of my sweet boys calling for mama (that name I wondered if I’d ever get to wear). I’m a collector of words, a cataloger of wonders, and a curator of grace stories. Once upon a time (how can a few years ago seem like a lifetime?) I worked full-time writing, but these days you can find me vrooming toy cars across the red rug, slathering peanut butter and jelly on wheat, and carrying baby boy close to my heart. Once bedtime prayers are aloft, I cozy up with my laptop and labor in love to exalt the One who is the most important part of my life. Because if I could tell you only one thing about me I’d want you to know how passionately I seek to love a nail-scarred and risen Savior. It’s this love that leads me here, hoping for you, expecting you. Because here’s the thing; you matter. You matter so much more than you know. His eyes light up at the thought of you. And He loves you enough that He will not leave you where you are. And no matter where you are, He beckons. We live expectantly. Expecting grace, expecting mercy, and yes, expecting trials, pain, and suffering. But we also expect that evil will not have the final say, but that love will prevail, transforming even the bitterest moments into sweetest grace. We live expecting His presence, one day His appearing, and ultimately His absolute reign.”Meet Catherine at catherineclairelarson.com MORE ABOUT HER BOOK, WATCHING IN WONDERWatching in Wonder: Growing in Faith During Your Baby's First Year by Catherine Claire Larson is a weekly devotional journal that will inspire you to record stories and prayers for your newborn as you create a memory book that you (and they) will treasure for years to come. Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Watching-Wonder-Growing-Faith-During/dp/140023610X/ “I hope women will walk away from Watching in Wonder with a deeper understanding of who God is and how He meets and cares for them in these days of early motherhood,” said Catherine. “A recurring theme in the book is that motherhood is a high and holy calling and that women are nurturing a human soul of inestimable importance.”Embrace the exhilarating, exhausting, and joy-filled first year of motherhood in the pages of Watching in Wonder as you marvel anew at His goodness and the miracle of life that is growing day by day before your eyes.NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 156Remaining YOU while raising THEM | with Alli WorthingtonDo you feel like other moms have it all together, while you struggle silently? Are you really enjoying the journey of parenthood… or are you just trying to survive? You are not alone! You want so much to be a "good" mom. Yet, you're afraid you aren't. There's hope. You are on the right track. Alli Worthington joins Stephanie today to address the mom who is ready to live a life outside the unachievable cliche of “Supermom” – regardless of the season of life you are in. This is NOT a conversation about parenting – this is a conversation about your personal wellbeing as you navigate motherhood. It is about your own wellness, so that you can love others well. It is about embracing a healthy mom mindset.So, whether you are considering starting a family, or whether your adult children are now raising their own babies, this conversation is for you! Also, this conversation will be eye-opening to all the men who want to understand how the moms in their lives struggle to hold it all together. Do you have a sister, daughter, or wife who is a mom too? This is for you!If you’ve forgotten what it means to care for yourself while caring for others, this conversation is for you.If you want to feel energized by motherhood, this conversation is for you.If you constantly feel weighed down by mom guilt, this conversation is for you.If you can’t stop comparing yourself to other moms, this conversation is for you.If you’re looking for ways to protect your emotional, spiritual, and physical health, this conversation is for you.If you can’t break the cycle of pleasing others, this conversation is for you.If you crave more meaningful relationships with your children, this conversation is for you.Alli tells us, “Drop the “good mom” myths that have been stealing your happiness. Rediscover the beautiful, joy-filled, sacred and secret art of confident motherhood.” If you’re ready to rewrite the parts of motherhood that are stressful and exhausting so you can raise your little–or not-so-little–humans with a healthy mom mindset, it’s time to discover the secret art of confident motherhood.MORE ABOUT “REMAINING YOU WHILE RAISING THEM”You’re allowed to enjoy motherhood- and pursue it in your own unique way.Remaining You While Raising Them will give you tools and a framework you can return to over and over as you pursue a life you love while raising children you love.Alli says, “I know you want to be a wonderful mother. And you're worried you aren't. Whether you arrived at motherhood by birth, adoption, or marriage, you want to get it right. Me too. I spent too many years caught in the trap of lies that surround modern motherhood. I want more for you than that. You're worth it! This book will reassure you that you ARE worth it and give you the tools to enjoy motherhood more! Remaining You While Raising Them, may just change your life.”PREORDER TODAY FOR ALL SORTS OF BONUS CONTENTMore at https://alliworthington.com/remaining-you-while-raising-themBONUS | QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND1. Have you ever felt overwhelmed or guilty after reading parenting books? How did it affect your parenting approach?2. How do you think our own emotional and spiritual health as mothers impacts our relationship with our children?3. Have you ever felt pressure to live up to societal expectations as a mother? How did you navigate through that pressure?4. What have been some of the challenges and joys you've experienced as your children have grown older?5. How do you define "mom guilt" and why do you think so many mothers experience it? How can we combat mom guilt in our own lives?6. What are some ways that we unintentionally hinder our children's development by trying to do everything for them?7. How can we find a balance between being a supportive parent and allowing our children to experience their own struggles and failures?8. Alli and Stephanie discuss the importance of experiencing God's love and understanding in the midst of pain. Have you ever gone through a period of feeling abandoned by God? How did you work through that?9. How can we create a safe space for our children to be honest about their own doubts, disappointments, and feelings towards God?10. How can we model resilience and faithfulness to our children, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?ALLI WORTHINGTON SHARES HER STORY“Who doesn’t love a good rags to riches story? Yep, that’s how it started for me. Ten years ago, we lost everything when my husband’s job came to a sudden and drastic end. That’s when I got very, very serious about figuring out how to create a business on the Internet and started my own online business. I have co-founded BlissDom and BlissDom Canada, the single largest international women’s small business conference in the world (now that was a mouthful!) I also co-founded and served as the CCO (Chief Creative Officer) of Blissful Media Group. And it all started when I founded the magazine for women, Blissfully Domestic. Through these major events, I’ve helped thousands of men and women start successful businesses online. I was a consultant and strategist who has worked with and advised Fortune 500 companies and small businesses, from tech companies to your favorite household brands. My book, Breaking Busy, has helped thousands of women break out of cycles of busyness and find purpose and happiness in this crazy world.Fierce Faith: A Woman's Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety launched January 2018. I served as the founding COO for Propel Women from 2014-2018…”More at https://alliworthington.com/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 157Deeper faith through worry, doubt and control | with Lori Ann WoodA serious diagnosis took Lori Ann Wood on a faith detour she never saw coming. As a lifelong believer, she felt profound disappointment in the God she thought she knew. Wanting answers, but more than anything, needing permission to ask the questions, she took the risky decision to embrace those difficult questions. She shares her hard-won insights today on Gospel Spice.Lori Ann was raised by a mother who strongly believed in God, but she didn't initially feel the same conviction towards faith. Lori Ann compared faith to how people have different tastes and preferences with cilantro, with some believing without a doubt, while others may come to faith through questioning. Lori Ann embraced her unique perspective and believes that God does not think less of her for it.Lori Ann’s journey towards faith began after she was diagnosed with heart failure. She was given a journal to write out questions and complaints to God during uncertain and difficult times, and it eventually turned into a blog where she started sharing spiritual content. People related to her spiritual struggles, and Lori Ann saw a connection between her questions and Jesus' temptations in the desert, which helped frame the content of her book, Divine Detours, into three questions to deepen one's faith.During the episode, Lori Ann discussed three important questions related to faith: the question of worry, the question of doubt, and the question of control. She admitted to struggling with the latter due to her natural tendency towards planning and control. However, she believes that Jesus is the perfect companion, friend, savior, and God who can help us through our unbelief.Lori Ann also reflected on the value of asking questions and how they wish they had instilled this value in their younger self and their own children. Lori Ann believes that questions are an important part of their faith journey, referencing how Jesus used questions in his teachings.BONUS | GO DEEPER WITH QUESTIONS, ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND.Lori Ann invites us to ask deep questions fearlessly. Here are a few to come alongside your own journey!1. What was your biggest takeaway from Lori Ann Wood's story?2. Do you relate more to the idea of faith coming easily or through questioning? Why?3. How do you think Lori Ann’s struggle with illness impacted her faith journey?4. Have you ever struggled with any of the three questions Lori Ann posed (worry, doubt, control)? How did you overcome them?5. What do you think it means to "ask questions" in relation to faith? How can questioning faith strengthen it?6. What insights did you gain from Lori Ann’s reflections on her book and her journey as an author?7. How do you feel about the comparison between faith and cilantro? Do you see any parallels between the two?8. Have you ever felt like the woman who touched Jesus's cloak and was healed? What parallels do you see between that story and your own faith journey?9. Do you agree with the idea that asking for healing (spiritual, emotional, relational, or physical) is important and that God is not afraid of people's questions?10. In what ways can we cultivate a closer relationship with God and deepen our faith? How do you plan to do this?DISCOVER LORI ANN’S BOOK, DIVINE DETOURWHAT – Divine Detour is a book of relatable essays that gently guides the reader to confront the three most important questions of her life—the three questions every life must answer.WHEN – Divine Detour is an invitation to explore the questions of worry, doubt, and control that always surface when a Christian finds himself on a path he didn’t choose.WHO – Divine Detour is for the believer who hits a snag in her careful life plan and starts to wonder if her faith is any good at all: the career has evaporated overnight, the adult child has turned his back on his family, the marriage vows have worn paper thin.WHY – Heart failure patient and award-winning essayist Lori Ann Wood confronts faith’s three most menacing questions of worry, doubt, and control, and discovers hope for anyone on an unexpected path.Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Detour-choose-always-wanted/dp/1936501759/ MEET LORI ANN WOODLORI ANN WOOD lives in the shadow of the Ozark Mountains in beautiful Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband, the unsuspecting guy she chased all the way from ninth grade to grad school. She is mom to three world-changing young adults, one impressive son-in-law (who all live too far away) and a miniature dachshund named Pearl (who threatens to never leave). Her new favorite role is appropriately spoiling her granddaughter Hazel.Read more from her at loriannwood.com.NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 158Find balance between hustling and letting go | with Rebecca GeorgeStephanie welcomes Rebecca George to discuss the power of embracing weakness as part of our Gospel Spice Wellness series. They share their experience with the “curse of the capable woman”, as Stephanie calls it, and how surrendering our weaknesses to God allows Him to turn them into His strengths. They discuss the tension between achieving for God's glory while avoiding self-sufficiency and how we can open our hands and offer ourselves to God. The conversation shifts to the ultimate calling of a Christ follower to make disciples, and the importance of surrendering one's life to God. The episode also touches on the dangers of constantly doing and the importance of trusting God's timing. Together Stephanie and Rebecca emphasize that embracing weakness is the path to success and encourage YOU to focus on God in moments of brokenness. Rebecca shares her personal experiences with being an overachiever and how surrendering our weaknesses to God can transform them into strengths. Rebecca also talks about the importance of balancing grace and self-discipline in our lives and the ultimate calling of a Christ follower to make disciples wherever we are and in whatever season we are in. They also discuss the Great Commission and the ongoing behavior of making disciples without striving or burnout. Tune in to gain valuable insights on living a life of surrender and obedience to God!Some key takeaways for this conversation include,- We can feel like we have to rely on our own strength to get things done.- Weakness is what God wants from us, because He already has plenty of strength!- Surrendering our weaknesses to God allows Him to turn it into His strength. That is the goal!- Embracing weakness is actually the path to success, because we learn to trust Him.Stephanie and Rebecca invite you to focus on God:- Have an eternal perspective- Fix your eyes on Jesus and worship Him for His character- In moments of struggle and brokenness, invite God into our weaknesses and ask Him to transform them into strengths.- The outcome belongs to God, and the obedience belongs to humans.They also inspire you to balance grace and self-discipline with the following:- Strive to do everything with excellence for the glory of God;- Hold both grace and self-discipline closely and not see them as opposing forces.Making disciples is the ultimate calling of a Christ follower. Together, they add:- a calling is not necessarily to have a public ministry.- We can make disciples wherever we are and in whatever season we are in.- Making disciples is an ongoing behavior, not a one-time task or something to be added to a to-do list.- Striving to make disciples all the time can lead to burnout.- Different seasons may require a shift in our time and capacity, and it is important to have ongoing conversations about where we feel called to spend our time.To conclude, surrender to God is the key! You have heard it before, but it is important to remember:- Surrendering one's life to God on a regular basis is important.- It means not producing results on one's own strength or measuring one's own performance.- True freedom comes from allowing God's spirit to produce the fruit.NEW! GO DEEPER WITH QUESTIONS, ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND:1. How do you relate to the “curse of the capable woman,” (even if you are a man!) and how have you experienced it in your life?2. Do you struggle with self-sufficiency or overachievement? How does this conversation resonate with you?3. What is your view on grace and self-discipline, and how do you balance the two in your life?4. How do you feel about the importance to fight striving? Do you agree with her stance against “Girl Wash Your Face”?5. Have you ever experienced a moment of surrender to God in your weakness? How did that change your perspective?6. What does it mean to you to make disciples as you go about your daily life? How can you apply this principle to your own life?7. Have you experienced moments of burnout? What do you do to avoid it?8. How does your personal view of success align or differ from Rebecca’s and Stephanie’s perspective?9. How do you remind yourself of God's unconditional love for you and the fact that nothing you do can make Him love you more or less?10. In moments of struggle and brokenness, how do you invite God into your weaknesses and ask Him to transform them into strengths?MEET REBECCA GEORGERebecca George is an author, a speaker, and the host of the popular podcast Radical Radiance. Her greatest joy is helping women pursue their passions in a way that builds God’s kingdom. In her free time, she loves running outside or trying a new recipe with Garth Brooks playing in the background. You can connect with her @rebeccageorgeauthor on Instagram or at radicalradiance.live.MORE ABOUT HER BOOK, DO THE THINGWhat is your “thing”? Surely there’s a better way to view it than through a lens of striving and worldly achievement.You may have a special cause, project, or talent you feel called to develop. Fear and lack of clarity often make it easier to avoid the “thing” than risk failing at it.Rebecca George is an encouraging voice in your ear to say, “Let’s not waste another minute of the all–too–brief time we have on this side of eternity.” She shows you how to pursue your goal with grace and confidence.Part guide, part manifesto, Do the Thing beckons you to pursue the passions that stir your soul.On this journey, you will discover how to:See your gifts and talents from a gospel-centered perspective.Prioritize goals related to your calling as you move forward with gumption and grace.Overcome negative thought patterns so you can brainstorm, develop, and create with the confidence of a go-getter girl!Today is the day to take a brave step in a purposeful direction, using God’s Word as your compass to do the thing He has designed for you to do. After all, if not now … when?Find the book here: https://davidccook.org/books/do-the-thing/ NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/The perfect gift for everyone - apparel, drinkware, stickers and more for all the women, men and kids in your life!https://www.gospelspice.com/merchGo to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogWe are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 159Hope and healing for the diet-weary soul | with Laura AcuñaOn this episode of Gospel Spice, Stephanie welcomes Laura Acuña to dive deep into the world of body image issues. They discuss Laura's personal story of how God set her free from her negative relationship with food, negative body image, and a pattern of yo-yo dieting. They also explore how the accumulation of little traumas can have a significant impact on a person's life. The episode emphasizes the importance of stewarding our bodies well, self-compassion, and allowing God's grace to come into our lives. Laura affirms that shame doesn't come from God and offers a prayer for listeners, asking God to help them understand their true relationship with their bodies, remove shame from their lives, and replace lies about beauty and body image with truth.Stephanie and Laura talk about:- Laura's own story of gaining one hundred pounds as an eleven-year-old and finally being set free fifty years later.- How to re-think your thinking regarding food, body image and dieting through the lens of self-compassion, God’s grace and His word.- The surprising truth that you can be free from food and body image issues before ever losing a pound.- Why so many women who struggle with these strongholds need to recover their voice.- The importance of to learning to show up as your true female self and being comfortable in your own skin.- How to walk away from what has never worked and embrace the important mind-shift of accepting you need God’s healing instead of relying on dieting to fix what is broken inside.- Why rejecting shame in all of its forms is crucial for healing and peace.- The importance of stopping legalism (fire the food police!) regarding what you eat and how you treat your body.- Our culture’s negative view of a woman’s aging body and how, as Christians, we can resist falling for this toxic and impossible standard.In her 31-day devotional, Still Becoming, Laura shares her personal experience of struggling with body image and dieting for almost 50 years until she found freedom. We learn about how disordered eating and body image issues are often responses to the broken parts inside us, and people often use food to numb, distract, or hide their emotions. We also address how the dieting mindset can lead to shame and legalism. Laura emphasizes the importance of giving ourselves self-compassion and allowing God's grace to come into our lives. Additionally, we discuss the importance of stewarding our bodies well for maintaining mobility and allowing us to do the things we want to do, regardless of our physical appearance. We also dive into the cultural obsession with youth and beauty, and how Christians can embrace aging as a virtue. So sit back and enjoy as we explore how to overcome body image issues with God's help.BONUS - QUESTIONS TO GO DEEPER (ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND)1. How does Laura Acuna's personal story impact the way you view body image and dieting?2. Do you believe that emotional eating and body image issues are often responses to broken parts within us? Why or why not?3. What are some of the traumas in your life that you might have been using food to numb, distract, or hide?4. Have you ever struggled with legalism or shame when it comes to dieting or fitness? How can you break free from that mindset?5. What are some small steps that you can take to take better care of your body on a day-to-day basis?6. Do you believe that the aging process is an underestimated virtue in our culture? Why or why not?7. How can we as a society work to shift the focus away from the physical appearance and towards other qualities like wisdom and character?8. In what ways can we show love to others regardless of their physical appearance or status?9. How does scripture help us replace lies about beauty and body image with truth from God's word?10. How can we support the men in our lives who may not understand or know how to support women who struggle with body image issues?MEET LAURA ACUNALaura Acuña is a speaker, author, Bible teacher, and coach. She’s served as a women’s ministry leader for over 22 years. A graduate of Liberty University, she earned a degree in Christian Counseling and a minor in Biblical Studies. She’s the co-founder of Sisters In Faith Ministries, a non-profit ministry to women in the Damascus, Maryland, area. Married to Pat, the two are the parents of three sons, and one daughter-in-love. They became first-time grandparents to Evelyn Grace (finally a girl!) in July 2021. Laura challenges her sisters to grow up to become spiritually and emotionally mature. Her new book Still Becoming: Hope, Help and Healing for the Diet-Weary Soul was published in December 2022.Laura Acuna's life changed drastically when she was just 11 years old and experienced a significant weight gain, leading to yo-yo dieting and a negative body image. She struggled with disordered eating and shame for years until a series of tragic events - the sudden loss of her mother and best friend - led her to seek help from a therapist. Through years of therapy and her faith, Laura learned about trauma and its impact on her mental health, including how little T traumas can accumulate and have just as much of an impact as larger ones. With this knowledge, she was able to overcome her disordered eating and negative body image and use her experience to help others through her book.Fina Laura at https://laura-acuna.com/NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We invite you to enjoy a Christ-centered summer by experiencing Jesus through the lens of the body of Christ. We bring you a diversity of viewpoints on several issues, and invite you to discover Jesus through their own journey with Him.Our Summer series invite you to ponder important topics for daily living. Stephanie and her occasional guests tell us about the importance of our definition of success, the key elements of leadership roles, the traps of comparison, the importance of theology, and much more! These stand-along episodes are meant to encourage you and challenge you to experience deeper fruitfulness in your various roles and ministries, in all the relationships and areas of your life. The topics we discuss are eternal and apply to both genders, across time and space and culture and age. So, join us for deep conversations with inspiring Christ-followers, conversations that will flavor your summer with the Gospel.Conversations about culture, leadership, success, dating, gender, and struggles with comparison, pride, and more: that is your Gospel Spice summer!We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 160A fresh approach to make sense of suffering | with Benjamin WindleStephanie welcomes Benjamin Windle for a conversation about making sense of pain, affliction, and suffering. Is God allowing it in your life? Why? Is He punishing you? Is He enjoying inflicting pain? Seasons of difficulties will come to all of us - and our faith is no shield against pain. Our faith can however inform our approach and understanding of pain and suffering. Harder still, when our loved ones go through seasons of pain. How can we encourage them, help them see God at work, and not serve them cliched platitude that offer no relief from the agony? How can we have a God-centered approach to suffering?Loss of a loved one, of a dream or of a meaningful relationship. Physical pain. Depression. Loneliness. Shame. Affliction. Mental illness. Job loss. Grief is your reality today, in one form or another. And if it isn't, it might be, tomorrow. Benjamin Windle offers fresh insights to those who are experiencing pain and affliction today. Stephanie recommends his new book, Good Catastrophe, to Christians who seek an understanding of pain through the lens of faith, especially if they are relatively new to the Christian faith. MEET BENJAMIN WINDLEAs a Pastor for over 20 years, Benjamin Windle has walked with many people through the dark shadows and valleys of the human experience. He has dedicated his life to helping people overcome life’s challenges by growing deeper in their faith and reaching higher in life. Benjamin is a new-generation content creator for some of the most respected Christian brands in the world. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Cindi, and they have three sons. He has a Bachelor of Theology, an MBA from Deakin University, and Executive Education at Stanford University and the MIT Sloan School of Management.more at https://www.benjaminwindle.com/ get the book: https://www.goodcatastrophe.com/ NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/We are spending one whole month having conversations with inspiring guests about parenting at different stages of life - from newborns to adult children, and every stage in between! And then, we spend another whole month discussing essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a wide range of Christ-centered experts. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 161The paradox of weakness | How true faith leads to rest and liberation from burdensToday, we want to address a topic that is all too familiar to many of us: weariness. Stephanie vulnerably shares her own experience of a recent, literal, physical nervous breakdown, caused by years of chronic pain and the wrongly placed belief that with enough faith, she could do it all. She warns against believing this lie, which can lead to shame and guilt. True faith is not about relying on our own abilities but placing our trust in God. Understanding our limits can help us truly understand what it means to have faith.This is the first of 6 episodes on rest. Stephanie initially taught keynotes at several distinct events and, surprisingly, the event organizers asked her to speak on the topic of rest. They didn't know they were all asking for the same theme. Stephanie crafted unique talks for each event, and wondered how this serendipitous convergence on the theme of rest might apply to you, our beloved Podcast audience. So, here are the keynotes she gave on the topic of dwelling in the presence of God, and delighting in His glory, as the essence, goal and means of rest. We dive deep into the concept of weariness and how it affects our lives. Did you know that the word "weary" in Greek is closely related to "hard work"? Stephanie shares her personal journey of coming to Jesus for rest. She explains how weariness is not just physical exhaustion but also the accumulation of pain and anxiety. When we allow long-term stress to take hold, it can lead to snapping over small things and narrow our ability to cope with situations or people.Stephanie reminds us that God has infinite strength, and He does not need us to carry the burdens of life in our own strength. Jesus, though He came in weakness, is the fullness of God and has no weakness. We are encouraged to bring our weaknesses to God, as they are the one thing He does not possess.Worry and anxiety often stem from not fully embracing the truth that Jesus is in control. Stephanie shares powerful insights about how distractions like fear, shame, guilt, approval, expectations, and comparison can burden us and rob us of finding true rest. It's a timely message for our culture, where discontent seems to be prevalent.Aside from the wisdom shared, we want to highlight Stephanie's availability for speaking engagements. If you're looking for a dynamic speaker to address various topics related to scripture study and seasonal events, make sure to check out Stephanie's page at gospelspice.com/speaking. Her passion for the gospel shines through in her speaking engagements, inspiring others to explore the rich depths of God's Word.Just as Jesus condemned the Pharisees for putting heavy burdens on others without carrying them themselves, we aim to offer a fresh perspective on Matthew 11, where Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest.Scripture challenges us to take this invitation to rest seriously. We pray that the Holy Spirit will bring transformative rest into your life. Our desire is for you to experience the peace and freedom that comes from surrendering your burdens to Jesus.If you're currently facing restlessness, discontent, or anxiety, don't fret or worry. Remember that God is in control, and He is not surprised by whatever challenges you face. Trust in Him and find rest in His love and provision.Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.DATES | anytime!LOCATION | Online! Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus’ very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does?It’s said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus.Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it’s life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus’ favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more.Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb.So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus!Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.Summer is coming to an end, and busyness returns as the fall season settles upon us. We live in a fast-paced world where rest is elusive, and even frowned upon—especially once summer is over. What if, instead, intentional rest in Christ was the secret to launch a lifetime of delight in God, regardless of seasons? As summer makes way for the busyness of the fall season, Gospel Spice invites you to embrace a lifestyle of rest by experiencing the presence of God amidst your busy life.Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. 1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogWe are in our Gospel Spice REST series! We invite you to enhance your experience through the REST workbook, which contains listening guides to take notes during each episode, as well as optional bonus questions to reflect on your own or with a friend/group in order to truly enjoy the fullness of REST in Christ. Go to gospelspice.com/rest for all the details. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 162Know what you believe | Why the Nicene Creed matters | with Phillip CaryHow well can you articulate your Christian belief system? How can you spot false theology? Who are trusted resources to interpret Scripture? The Nicene Creed is a fundamental element to understand and experience our faith and live out a high Christology. So, today Stephanie welcomes university professor and author Phillip Cary to discuss the significance of the Nicene Creed in Christian tradition. Phillip recently released a new book, The Nicene Creed: An introduction, which is one of Stephanie’s favorite reads this year- and this is saying a lot!Over the course of two episodes (235 today and 237 in a few days), Phillip and Stephanie touch on the Nicene Creed’s widespread usage among different denominations, how it serves as a boundary and center for the faith, how it was written to combat heresy about who Jesus is, and how it has served as a unifying factor for different Christian traditions. They dive into what a creed is, with the Nicene Creed being the most widely used and recited by about a billion Christians every Sunday during liturgies. They explore the Creed's significance, how it establishes boundaries and centers our faith, and how it powerfully anchors our belief in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The conversation also delves into the infinite depth of the Christian faith, as well as more topics such as the significance of Mary's role in the birth of Jesus, the role of Pontius Pilate, who are both mentioned in the Creed, and the topic of who teaches the truth about Jesus Christ and how the Creed is the litmus test of sound Christian doctrine. This episode will anchor your faith in a proper high Christology in simple terms and offers important insights into the significance of the Nicene Creed for Christians of all traditions. If you're interested in the history and importance of Christian creeds, this episode is definitely worth a listen!MORE ABOUT THE BOOK, THE NICENE CREED: AN INTRODUCTIONUnderstand and celebrate what we believe! For centuries, the Nicene Creed has been central to the church’s confession. The Nicene Creed: An Introduction by Phillip Cary explores the Creed’s riches with simplicity and clarity. Cary explains the history of the Creed and walks through its meaning line by line. Far from being abstract or irrelevant, the words of the Creed carefully express what God has done in Christ and through the Spirit. The Nicene Creed gives us the gospel. It gives biblical Christians the words for what we already believe. And when we profess the Creed, we join the global church throughout history in declaring the name and work of the one God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Gain a fresh appreciation for the ancient confession with Phillip Cary’s help.Buy the book (Stephanie could not recommend it strongly enough!) here: https://lexhampress.com/product/224267/the-nicene-creed-an-introduction MEET PHILLIP CARYPhillip Cary is a prolific writer of courses and books, professor of philosophy at Eastern University near Philadelphia. He is also the editor of Pro Ecclesia, a theology journal for Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches. Phillip has a doctorate in philosophy from Yale University, where he studied St. Augustine, one of the great church fathers. His favorite theologian is Martin Luther, and he writes about Luther's ideas. Phillip loves The Nicene Creed because it summarizes what Luther means by gospel - the story of who Jesus Christ is and what God has done in Christ for us and our salvation. He has been working on a book about this topic for a long time, so we gladly celebrate The Nicene Creed: An Introduction today.NEW | GO DEEPER WITH THESE QUESTIONS, ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND!1. How important is the Nicene Creed to your faith and why?2. What is your experience with different types of Christian churches and how has it influenced your faith?3. How do you think the Nicene Creed serves as a unifying factor among different Christian traditions?4. Do you believe the Church is currently experiencing confusion and division, and if so, why?5. How do you think studying the Nicene Creed can broaden one's understanding of the faith?6. What is your interpretation of Mary's role in the birth of Jesus and the significance of her words "Be it unto me according to Your Word"?8. What does the concept of translation mean to you in the context of Christianity?9. How do you understand the meaning of the term "Catholic" in the Nicene Creed?10. Why do you think the Nicene Creed was necessary for maintaining the faith in Christ and avoiding theological error?IN A NUTSHELL | WHAT IS THIS EPISODE COVERING?1. What is the Nicene Creed?- The Nicene Creed is a confession of faith that comes from the Latin word credo, meaning "I believe." It is a widely used creed in the Christian tradition and is recited by about a billion Christians every Sunday during liturgies.2. How has attending different types of churches influenced Stephanie’s approach to Scripture?- Attending different types of churches has broadened Stephanie’s understanding of Scripture, as she has been exposed to different interpretations and perspectives.3. What is the significance of the Nicene Creed for different Christian denominations?- The Nicene Creed serves as a common source of unity for different Christian denominations, as it represents the DNA of those churches.4. How does the Nicene Creed serve as a boundary and center for the faith?- The Nicene Creed sets beliefs such as the full deity of Jesus and serves as a boundary and center for the faith by ensuring that those who recite it have a shared understanding of core beliefs.5. What is the book discussed in this episode and what is its content?- The book discussed in this episode is about the Christian faith and its creed. It explores the Nicene Creed and its significance in the Christian tradition.6. What are the key beliefs outlined in the Nicene Creed?- The Nicene Creed outlines the belief in one God, the Father, and in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God who was crucified for our salvation and rose again on the third day. It also includes the belief in the Holy Spirit, one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection of the dead.7. What does "Catholic" mean in the context of the Nicene Creed?- In the context of the Nicene Creed, "Catholic" means universal, not just Roman Catholic.8. What is the essence of High Christology?- The essence of High Christology is the focus on who Jesus is.9. What is the history behind the Nicene Creed and why was it written?- The Nicene Creed was written to combat heresy about who Jesus is, specifically the belief held by Arius that the Son was created by God the Father and therefore not equal to him.10. How does the Nicene Creed celebrate God's giving of Himself to us through Christ?- The double focus on the double nature of Jesus in the Nicene Creed allows us to understand how God gives Himself to us in the flesh of Christ for our salvation, making the confession of the Creed a celebration of this understanding.Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.DATES | anytime!LOCATION | Online! Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus’ very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does?It’s said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus.Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it’s life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus’ favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more.Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb.So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus!Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 163Victorious in worship | finding rest and delighting in God amidst life's battlegroundsFollowing up on our previous episode (make sure to tune in!), Stephanie dives deep into the art and mystery of contentment, as discussed by the Puritans. They recognized that true contentment is an elusive concept, often misunderstood by a world that seeks fulfillment in the accumulation of material possessions and worldly success.Stephanie explores how our discontent and restlessness can arise from striving for more, whether it be popularity, wealth, or approval. Drawing from the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, she highlights the dangers of self-promotion and seeking to make a name for ourselves. Instead, rest lies in surrendering to God's plan and finding delight in Him. Stephanie unpacks the powerful message of Matthew 11 in relation to finding rest and highlights the need for repentance, rest, quietness, and trust in our journey of salvation and strength. Throughout, she reminds us of the transformative power of delighting in God, especially in times of hardship and affliction.Stephanie leads us on a journey to experience a fresh measure of rest and a deeper revelation of God's goodness. Discover how delighting in God, even in the midst of challenges, can bring true strength and victory.GOOD TO KNOW!This is the second of 6 episodes on rest. Stephanie initially taught keynotes at several distinct events and, surprisingly, the event organizers asked her to speak on the topic of rest. They didn't know they were all asking for the same theme. Stephanie crafted unique talks for each event, and wondered how this serendipitous convergence on the theme of rest might apply to you, our beloved Podcast audience. So, here are the keynotes she gave on the topic of dwelling in the presence of God, and delighting in His glory, as the essence, goal and means of rest. NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.DATES | anytime!LOCATION | Online! Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus’ very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does?It’s said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus.Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it’s life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus’ favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more.Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb.So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus!Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.Summer is coming to an end, and busyness returns as the fall season settles upon us. We live in a fast-paced world where rest is elusive, and even frowned upon—especially once summer is over. What if, instead, intentional rest in Christ was the secret to launch a lifetime of delight in God, regardless of seasons? As summer makes way for the busyness of the fall season, Gospel Spice invites you to embrace a lifestyle of rest by experiencing the presence of God amidst your busy life.Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. 1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogWe are in our Gospel Spice REST series! We invite you to enhance your experience through the REST workbook, which contains listening guides to take notes during each episode, as well as optional bonus questions to reflect on your own or with a friend/group in order to truly enjoy the fullness of REST in Christ. Go to gospelspice.com/rest for all the details. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 164Nurture a high view of Jesus Christ in your life | with Phillip Cary | Part 2How well can you articulate your Christian belief system? How can you spot false theology? Who are trusted resources to interpret Scripture? The Nicene Creed is a fundamental element to understand and experience our faith and live out a high Christology. So, today Stephanie welcomes university professor and author Phillip Cary to discuss the significance of the Nicene Creed in Christian tradition. Phillip recently released a new book, The Nicene Creed: An introduction, which is one of Stephanie’s favorite reads this year- and this is saying a lot!In the second half of the conversation today, Phillip and Stephanie touch on the Nicene Creed’s widespread usage among different denominations, how it serves as a boundary and center for the faith, how it was written to combat heresy about who Jesus is, and how it has served as a unifying factor for different Christian traditions.this episode is part 2 of the conversation. Make sure you listened to part one, episode 235: https://www.podcastics.com/episode/243538/link/They dive into what a creed is, with the Nicene Creed being the most widely used and recited by about a billion Christians every Sunday during liturgies. They explore the Creed's significance, how it establishes boundaries and centers our faith, and how it powerfully anchors our belief in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The conversation also delves into the infinite depth of the Christian faith, as well as more topics such as the significance of Mary's role in the birth of Jesus, the role of Pontius Pilate, who are both mentioned in the Creed, and the topic of who teaches the truth about Jesus Christ and how the Creed is the litmus test of sound Christian doctrine. This episode will anchor your faith in a proper high Christology in simple terms and offers important insights into the significance of the Nicene Creed for Christians of all traditions. If you're interested in the history and importance of Christian creeds, this episode is definitely worth a listen!MORE ABOUT THE BOOK, THE NICENE CREED: AN INTRODUCTIONUnderstand and celebrate what we believe! For centuries, the Nicene Creed has been central to the church’s confession. The Nicene Creed: An Introduction by Phillip Cary explores the Creed’s riches with simplicity and clarity. Cary explains the history of the Creed and walks through its meaning line by line. Far from being abstract or irrelevant, the words of the Creed carefully express what God has done in Christ and through the Spirit. The Nicene Creed gives us the gospel. It gives biblical Christians the words for what we already believe. And when we profess the Creed, we join the global church throughout history in declaring the name and work of the one God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Gain a fresh appreciation for the ancient confession with Phillip Cary’s help.Buy the book (Stephanie could not recommend it strongly enough!) here: https://lexhampress.com/product/224267/the-nicene-creed-an-introduction MEET PHILLIP CARYPhillip Cary is a prolific writer of courses and books, professor of philosophy at Eastern University near Philadelphia. He is also the editor of Pro Ecclesia, a theology journal for Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches. Phillip has a doctorate in philosophy from Yale University, where he studied St. Augustine, one of the great church fathers. His favorite theologian is Martin Luther, and he writes about Luther's ideas. Phillip loves The Nicene Creed because it summarizes what Luther means by gospel - the story of who Jesus Christ is and what God has done in Christ for us and our salvation. He has been working on a book about this topic for a long time, so we gladly celebrate The Nicene Creed: An Introduction today.NEW | GO DEEPER WITH THESE QUESTIONS, ALONE OR WITH A FRIEND!1. How important is the Nicene Creed to your faith and why?2. What is your experience with different types of Christian churches and how has it influenced your faith?3. How do you think the Nicene Creed serves as a unifying factor among different Christian traditions?4. Do you believe the Church is currently experiencing confusion and division, and if so, why?5. How do you think studying the Nicene Creed can broaden one's understanding of the faith?6. What is your interpretation of Mary's role in the birth of Jesus and the significance of her words "Be it unto me according to Your Word"?8. What does the concept of translation mean to you in the context of Christianity?9. How do you understand the meaning of the term "Catholic" in the Nicene Creed?10. Why do you think the Nicene Creed was necessary for maintaining the faith in Christ and avoiding theological error?IN A NUTSHELL | WHAT IS THIS EPISODE COVERING?1. What is the Nicene Creed?- The Nicene Creed is a confession of faith that comes from the Latin word credo, meaning "I believe." It is a widely used creed in the Christian tradition and is recited by about a billion Christians every Sunday during liturgies.2. How has attending different types of churches influenced Stephanie’s approach to Scripture?- Attending different types of churches has broadened Stephanie’s understanding of Scripture, as she has been exposed to different interpretations and perspectives.3. What is the significance of the Nicene Creed for different Christian denominations?- The Nicene Creed serves as a common source of unity for different Christian denominations, as it represents the DNA of those churches.4. How does the Nicene Creed serve as a boundary and center for the faith?- The Nicene Creed sets beliefs such as the full deity of Jesus and serves as a boundary and center for the faith by ensuring that those who recite it have a shared understanding of core beliefs.5. What is the book discussed in this episode and what is its content?- The book discussed in this episode is about the Christian faith and its creed. It explores the Nicene Creed and its significance in the Christian tradition.6. What are the key beliefs outlined in the Nicene Creed?- The Nicene Creed outlines the belief in one God, the Father, and in Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God who was crucified for our salvation and rose again on the third day. It also includes the belief in the Holy Spirit, one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection of the dead.7. What does "Catholic" mean in the context of the Nicene Creed?- In the context of the Nicene Creed, "Catholic" means universal, not just Roman Catholic.8. What is the essence of High Christology?- The essence of High Christology is the focus on who Jesus is.9. What is the history behind the Nicene Creed and why was it written?- The Nicene Creed was written to combat heresy about who Jesus is, specifically the belief held by Arius that the Son was created by God the Father and therefore not equal to him.10. How does the Nicene Creed celebrate God's giving of Himself to us through Christ?- The double focus on the double nature of Jesus in the Nicene Creed allows us to understand how God gives Himself to us in the flesh of Christ for our salvation, making the confession of the Creed a celebration of this understanding.DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries.In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God.In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus.PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family.PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people!Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog(*ListenNotes ranking, 2023)Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.DATES | anytime!LOCATION | Online! Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus’ very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does?It’s said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus.Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it’s life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus’ favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more.Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb.So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus!Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 165The overflowing well: Finding infinite rest in a world of restlessnessStephanie is on a mission to guide us closer to God through a unique blend of biblical flavors and French culture. In this season of Gospel Spice, she explores the theme of rest, inviting us to discover the profound joy and peace that comes from abiding in Christ. Stephanie encourages us to experience rest not merely as a physical break, but as a deep, life-altering encounter with the Living God.In this particular episode, Stephanie shares her insights and personal discoveries on the crucial topic of experiential heart knowledge of Christ. She draws inspiration from the Apostle Paul, who wholeheartedly embraced the path of surrender and sacrifice for the sake of knowing and having fellowship with Christ. Stephanie reminds us that true righteousness stems from faith in Christ, unleashing the boundless wellspring of rest that He offers.Stephanie references the pivotal passage in Romans 8:1-8. This Scripture serves as a guiding light in exploring the transformative power of rest in our lives.In the upcoming weeks, you don't want to miss the next four episodes that revolve around a weekend retreat where Stephanie was a keynote speaker. During this powerful event, she delved into the essence of rest, sharing her knowledge and experiences with eager participants. Stephanie extends a heartfelt invitation to all listeners to join her in practicing rest, as she leads us on an inspirational journey to encounter the restorative presence of our mighty God.Stephanie discusses the incredible concept of dwelling in God's presence and finding delight in His glory. She challenges us to examine why we often feel the need to fill ourselves up, reminding us that we have unlimited access to the infinite supply within us through Christ. Stephanie compassionately explores the struggle of believing that God provides only a limited supply when He promises us an abundance that knows no bounds.Stephanie encourages us to bridge the gap between what we say we believe and what we truly believe. She shares her unique perspective as a bilingual individual, highlighting the richness of the French language that possesses two distinct words for "know." This linguistic nuance inspires us to pursue a deeper, more intimate knowledge of Christ, one that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding.Rest is not a one-time event; rather, it is a continuous process of surrendering to God's will. Stephanie gently reminds us that when we find ourselves aligned with the perfect will of God, true happiness and peace fill our hearts. However, she acknowledges the challenges inherent in surrendering to God's will, even when we know it is ultimately what is best for us.Drawing from Romans 8:26-28, Stephanie emphasizes the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in helping us pray when we are at a loss for words. She invites us to tap into the wellspring of the Holy Spirit within us. This endless source of refreshment and guidance sustains and nourishes us on our journey of rest.Let us embrace the life-giving rest found in Christ and strive to reduce the gap between what we claim to believe and what our lives genuinely reflect.Before we conclude, we want to give a special shoutout to the Gospel Spice community. Your support and engagement have been a tremendous source of encouragement for Stephanie and the entire team. If you wish to dig deeper into the themes explored in Gospel Spice or are interested in booking Stephanie as a speaker for your next event, visit our website for more information or reach out to us directly.Thank you for being a part of the Gospel Spice family. May this season of rest bring about a transformative encounter with God's presence, allowing you to experience true rest in your everyday life.GOOD TO KNOW!This is the third of 6 episodes on rest. Stephanie initially taught keynotes at several distinct events and, surprisingly, the event organizers asked her to speak on the topic of rest. They didn't know they were all asking for the same theme. Stephanie crafted unique talks for each event, and wondered how this serendipitous convergence on the theme of rest might apply to you, our beloved Podcast audience. So, here are the keynotes she gave on the topic of dwelling in the presence of God, and delighting in His glory, as the essence, goal and means of rest. Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.DATES | anytime!LOCATION | Online! Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus’ very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does?It’s said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus.Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it’s life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus’ favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more.Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb.So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus!Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.This month we are celebrating the anniversary of Gospel Spice! We launched our first episode in 2019, when we faithfully and haltingly followed God's pretty clear directions!Would you please take a moment to celebrate with us? There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. 1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do 1 or more of the following suggestions:1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!Summer is coming to an end, and busyness returns as the fall season settles upon us. We live in a fast-paced world where rest is elusive, and even frowned upon—especially once summer is over. What if, instead, intentional rest in Christ was the secret to launch a lifetime of delight in God, regardless of seasons? As summer makes way for the busyness of the fall season, Gospel Spice invites you to embrace a lifestyle of rest by experiencing the presence of God amidst your busy life.Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. 1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogWe are in our Gospel Spice REST series! We invite you to enhance your experience through the REST workbook, which contains listening guides to take notes during each episode, as well as optional bonus questions to reflect on your own or with a friend/group in order to truly enjoy the fullness of REST in Christ. Go to gospelspice.com/rest for all the details. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 166I have good news today: God will not give up on you | with Max LucadoBonjour! Stephanie here. You know how sometimes we love to have Christmas in July? Or, in this case, maybe in September? Today was such a special day for me. I just had the most delightful conversation with Max Lucado about the power of honesty and the grace of God. Here is what Max has to tell you: “Could you use a fresh reminder of God's grace? Do you need to be told, maybe for the first time, God never gives up on you? If so, join Stephanie and me for a delightful conversation about God's grace, about the beautiful city of Paris, about life in a world where forgiveness is abundant. Join us, please, on Gospel Spice.”And, yes, we also did talk about Paris, about good food and all sorts of other fun things. And I'm honestly still processing the richness of our conversation. I cannot wait to share it with you. We're going to talk about the dangers of manipulation, and the hope that honesty brings into our lives. You're going to find yourself probably agreeing with us on the unmatched, though often misunderstood power of grace in Christ. We're laughing and we're almost crying together from sheer gratitude over God's goodness for us. And I'm sure you can relate. Have you ever wondered if you've had one too many stumbles for God to use someone like you? Or, have you asked if you could benefit from an encounter with God's unending, unbending, unswerving love and freedom? That is what Max talked about with me today—through the lens of Jacob’s life. And if your answer is yes, like Jacob, then Max invites you to see how God's grace transformed Jacob's life. Now, I really wish I couldn't relate to Jacob as much as I do because he's not the perfect hero by any means. If anything, he's quite the anti-hero. He's a manipulative cheat, and he doesn't understand grace until God literally smacks him with it, disabling his hip in the process. And so Max Lucado and I talked about that – and we invite you to join the conversation right now!MORE ABOUT “GOD NEVER GIVES UP ON YOU.”Ever wonder if you’ve had one too many stumbles for God to use someone like you? Could you benefit from an encounter with God’s unending, unbending, unswerving love and devotion?If your answer is yes, it’s time for you to see how God’s grace transformed Jacob’s life. And if you feel undeserving of God’s grace, this book will serve as a refresher course on God’s perfect plan to use imperfect people to do great things.God Never Gives Up on You is for the strugglers among us and the fumbler within us. For those of us who are part saint, part scoundrel; we mean well, but we don’t always do well. We have breakthroughs and breakdowns, often in the same hour. We need no reminder of our failures, but we could always use a refresher course on God’s perfect plan to use imperfect people to do great things. But where can we find examples of God’s steadfast grace?No one is more suited to help assure you of God’s grace than Jacob. He was less a prodigy and more a prodigal. Strong on savvy. Weak on conscience. Jacob took advantage of his famished brother and pulled the wool over the eyes of his dying father, yet God never turned his back on Jacob. And he won’t turn his back on you. If you are ready to start counting on God’s grace and believe he never gives up on you, this book is for you.Jacob’s story invites us to believe in a God who sticks beside the unworthy and underachievers and leads us safely home. If God can use Jacob to further his kingdom, he can use us too.Buy the book HERE.MORE ABOUT MAX LUCADOMax Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author who, in his own words, “writes books for people who don’t read books.” He serves the people of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and his message is for the hurting, the guilty, the lonely, and the discouraged: God loves you; let him.As a writer, Max is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. All of his trade books began as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all begin with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest.Max’s books have sold more than 145 million copies in over 50 languages worldwide. He published On the Anvil, his first trade book, in 1985. His 44th trade book, Help Is Here, was released in 2022. Max’s books regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times. His writing has also been featured in Bible studies, Bible commentaries, songs, greeting cards, and even plush toys. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry.Max’s love for everyday people began during his childhood in the small town of Andrews, Texas. His father was an oilfield mechanic, his mother was a nurse, and Max spent a lot of his time either running from or running after his brother, Dee. Max grew rebellious in his teenage years, and after one specific drunken night, he began to wonder if there was more to life than parties and chasing girls. He now believes that if Jesus hadn’t found him and changed his heart, alcoholism would have been in his future.After high school, Max attended Abilene Christian University and left with two degrees and a heart for following Jesus and helping others learn about him, too. He moved to Miami, Florida, and took a position as an associate pastor at a small church. This is where Max started writing about Jesus for the first time in the church’s monthly newsletter, and it’s where he developed his passion for people and ministry.Florida was also where Max met his wife, Denalyn. Together, they lived first in Miami and then spent several years in Rio de Janeiro, helping plant churches. The newsletters Max wrote to family and friends while in Rio, along with the newsletters he wrote at his church in Miami, eventually formed the manuscript of his first book, On the Anvil.Max and Denalyn now live in San Antonio, Texas. They have three grown daughters, three sons-in-law, and two grandchildren.Find more at https://maxlucado.com/ DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries.In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God.In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus.PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family.PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people!Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog(*ListenNotes ranking, 2023)Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.DATES | anytime!LOCATION | Online! Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus’ very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does?It’s said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus.Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it’s life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus’ favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more.Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb.So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus!Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 167Experiencing true rest: adoption, identity, and the overflowing stream of the SpiritHave you ever wondered about God's love for you? Before time even began, Jesus chose to adopt us into His family. It is a comforting truth to rest in, knowing that before we even existed, He looked forward to delighting in us. Moreover, this profound love extends beyond our actions and abilities – there is nothing we can do to deserve His approval.The builders of Notre Dame Cathedral recognized the significance of Scripture, incorporating its symbolism into their architectural marvel. Discover how access to Scripture reveals God's identity, His actions, and our own identity and purpose. Jesus, the Son of God, humbled Himself to become a servant and died on a cross.By recognizing God as the center of the universe, we find rest and shift the focus away from ourselves. Christ's ascension to heaven opened the door for all of us in Him to be filled with the living water of the Spirit. This abundant and infinite supply of water is available to each and every one of us who has placed our faith and trust in Him alone.Once we receive the Holy Spirit, rest is modeled after Christ with childlike faith and a lifetime of faithfulness. Imagine the stunning sculptures adorning the hidden side of the stones that held up the ceilings of Notre Dame. Carved as an offering of worship to God, those sculptures remained unseen by human eyes but were known to God alone. Let us consider how we can present our lives as works of art in worship to God.Adoption plays a significant role in understanding our identity in Christ. With three witnesses – the angelic realm, the world of humans, and our own hearts – we are marvelously adopted into God's family. In this new kingdom where Jesus reigns, we gain a new authority and embrace a new inheritance as sons and daughters of God.Drawing from Paul's teachings in Romans, we explore the profound concept of adoption in contrast to Roman cultural practices. We invite you to ponder the transformative power of God's rest and satisfaction, as exemplified in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.Stephanie gently but firmly challenges us not to overlook the deep spiritual truths we may have heard many times before. Let us guard against spiritual restlessness and find true rest in the richness of God's Word.We hope you find this episode inspiring and thought-provoking. As always, if you're hungry for more spiritual nourishment, consider inviting Stephanie and the Gospel Spice team to speak at your church or women's ministry event. They bring a feast of practical, biblical truth, and genuine love and concern.Our prayer is that this episode serve as a reminder of God's unwavering love for you, and invite you to explore the depths of rest that can only be found in Him. Amen!GOOD TO KNOW!This is the fourth of 6 episodes on rest. Stephanie initially taught keynotes at several distinct events and, surprisingly, the event organizers asked her to speak on the topic of rest. They didn't know they were all asking for the same theme. Stephanie crafted unique talks for each event, and wondered how this serendipitous convergence on the theme of rest might apply to you, our beloved Podcast audience. So, here are the keynotes she gave on the topic of dwelling in the presence of God, and delighting in His glory, as the essence, goal and means of rest. NEW TO GOSPEL SPICE? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!Check out our free resources, and more, at https://www.gospelspice.com/startWe invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Here are a few suggestions:Identity in the battle | Ephesianshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/Malachi: Messenger to Messiahhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/Wisdom from the Book of Proverbshttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebratedhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.DATES | anytime!LOCATION | Online! Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus’ very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does?It’s said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus.Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it’s life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus’ favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more.Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb.So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus!Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.This month we are celebrating the anniversary of Gospel Spice! We launched our first episode in 2019, when we faithfully and haltingly followed God's pretty clear directions!Would you please take a moment to celebrate with us? There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. 1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do 1 or more of the following suggestions:1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!Summer is coming to an end, and busyness returns as the fall season settles upon us. We live in a fast-paced world where rest is elusive, and even frowned upon—especially once summer is over. What if, instead, intentional rest in Christ was the secret to launch a lifetime of delight in God, regardless of seasons? As summer makes way for the busyness of the fall season, Gospel Spice invites you to embrace a lifestyle of rest by experiencing the presence of God amidst your busy life.Do you enjoy Gospel Spice? Then let's deepen our relationship! There are 4 very simple ways to do that, and it would truly mean the world to us. 1- If you’ve enjoyed this episode, you will love receiving our newsletter. It contains value-packed free gifts and rich content each month. It’s at gospelspice.com/signup. There is always something new and exciting happening around here, and I don’t want you to miss out! Sign up at Gospelspice.com/signup2- Did you know Gospel Spice has a YouTube Channel? There’s exclusive content there too. So, join Gospel Spice on YouTube! It's at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice 3- Also please give us a star rating and a comment on your podcast listening app. Your reviews actually really do make a difference to help others discover and experience Gospel Spice. You would be surprised how helpful these are! So please leave a star rating and a review of a sentence or two. Thank you!4- As always, we are praying for you! You can confidentially email us your prayer requests and praise items at the email address contact@gospelspice.com. It is our privilege to pray for you!So, would you please invest 3 to 5 minutes of your time, maybe even right now, to do one (or more!) of the following suggestions:1- signup on our website for our newsletter to receive gifts you’re going to love - at Gospelspice.com/signup 2- find us on YouTube, and see what content we’ve put together to help you grow closer to Jesus - at https://www.youtube.com/gospelspice3- rate Gospel Spice on your listening app – it’s one of the easiest ways to share the gospel!4- and finally, tell us how we can pray for you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
- 168Living life with Jesus as your closest, most present friend | with Jared C. WilsonStephanie welcomes pastor and author Jared C. Wilson for an intriguing conversation about what a true, authentic friendship with Jesus feels and tastes like. They talk about how it will transform your life, and your very identity. It is about knowing Christ, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship in His sufferings – as Paul tells us in Philippians 3:10, which is Stephanie’s favorite verse and lifelong quest! So, you are invited to join this conversation to embrace friendship with Christ in ways that will take you deeper than any other relationship on earth.Stephanie and Jared talk about what friendship is – what is has been historically, and what our modern technologies have turned it into. They discuss the importance of a lifelong quest for humility as the key to ever-deepening intimacy with Christ. They talk about the danger and reality of staleness with Him and how to remedy. They talk about that “holy heartburn” the disciples on the way to Emmaus experienced when Christ gave them the greatest, most comprehensive Bible study ever – and how we can join in on the experience. Jared touches on the importance of suffering in the midst of life as a touchpoint towards Christ – much as we would rather avoid it.Stephanie reads all the books whose authors she welcomes here at Gospel Spice (yes, that is a LOT of reading). But once in a while, a book draws her in so deeply, and resonates with her own longing so closely, that she finds herself lingering within its pages and relishing its flavors. So it was with Jared’s book, “Friendship with the Friend of sinners.” So, listen in, and then consider grabbing your own copy – for yourself and for a friend! Stephanie suspects you will be glad you did.MORE ABOUT JARED C. WILSONJared C. Wilson is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Author in Residence at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a pastor and Director of The Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO. An award-winning author of over 20 books, Jared also hosts the For The Church Podcast and co-hosts The Art of Pastoring Podcast, which is published by Christianity Today.Jared is not a catalytic "agent of change" or a visionary anything. He is a failed church planter and once made a mess of his marriage. He likes food too much and worries way too much about what people think, and he's definitely not all that he's cracked up to be. After nearly 30 years of ministry, he's mainly learned that he's kind of a nincompoop. But he knows Jesus loves him.Find more at https://www.jaredcwilson.com/MORE ABOUT “FRIENDSHIP WITH THE FRIEND OF SINNERS”Are you longing for true connection? The Bible calls Jesus the friend of sinners, but it’s hard to imagine what friendship with Jesus really looks like. How are we supposed to feel that close to a holy, perfect, and invisible God? How do we see Jesus as the real person he is? And how do we experience true friendship with him when we struggle to maintain true friendship on earth?Join author Jared C. Wilson as he explores what it means to be a friend of Jesus. Through candid personal stories and insights into the Gospels, Wilson uncovers easily overlooked details of the close relationship Jesus had with his followers. He reveals the ways we often hold Jesus at arm’s length and shows how to draw close to him through radical honesty, consistent communication, and unconditional love.DISCOVER THE GOSPEL SPICE MINISTRIES The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools given to you by Gospel Spice Ministries.In a nutshell, we exist to inspire Christ-followers to delight in God.In more details: we provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus.PLAY IT FORWARD by SHARING the link with friends and family.PRAY IT FORWARD by praying for us and those you share it with!PAY IT FORWARD!! Would you consider supporting this show today to help others enjoy it for free? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce, and we want to keep putting it in the ears of people!Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. All donations above our minimal operating costs go to Christian organizations fighting human trafficking.Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog(*ListenNotes ranking, 2023)Experience the peace and presence of Jesus like never before, by walking in His footsteps on this virtual, highly personable tour of first-century Israel! Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.DATES | anytime!LOCATION | Online! Life is busy, and full of worry, anxiety, and stress. What if what we needed was a solid reminder of Jesus’ very real presence in our lives? What if walking in His footsteps for a few weeks might prove the cure to our endless challenges, so that we may view our life as He does?It’s said that a visit to Israel will forever change your experience of Scripture. That statement is right. But more than that, it will forever change your experience of Jesus.Here at Gospel Spice, our goal is to know Jesus more. It means deepening our theology, for sure, but what about discovering the little things Jesus enjoyed? Think of your best friends, or deeply loved ones. You know their favorite color, food, and scent. Not because it’s life-changing, but because it is about intimacy, and knowing one another well. So, how about discovering one of Jesus’ favorite childhood smells, or the Galilee skyline He woke up to every morning? It may not alter your theology, but it will help you know Him more.Do you need a full measure of His peace and comfort? Do you need to be reminded of His love for you? Do you need His guidance to navigate your life right now? Stephanie just returned from the Holy Land and invites you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus on this virtual tour of first-century Israel from the comfort of your own home. We will be journeying through Scripture together to meet Jesus where He walked, taught, and fellowshipped with His friends in Galilee. We will encounter Him on the Passion walk, from the Upper Room to Golgotha. We will meet Him in the Garden Tomb.So, pack your virtual sandals, along with a very real Bible and pen, to journey through Scripture in the footsteps of Jesus!Sign up today at gospelspice.com/footsteps for all the details.Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Get the Pray app
Keep listening to Gospel Spice on your phone, and pick up where you left off.
