In 'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry', John Mark Comer argues that hurry and busyness are significant enemies of spiritual life. The book offers a roadmap for staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive by adopting a slower, simpler way of life. Comer draws from his personal experiences and spiritual disciplines to provide practical advice on how to slow down and cultivate a deeper intimacy with God. He emphasizes the importance of practices such as prayer, fasting, and sabbath rest to overcome the challenges of modern life and find true fulfillment[2][4][5].
In *God Dwells with Us*, Mary Coloe examines the use of temple imagery in the Gospel of John, arguing that Jesus is depicted as the new temple, replacing the destroyed physical temple. The book provides a comprehensive perspective on the symbol of the Temple, clarifying the christology of the Fourth Gospel and highlighting the Johannine community as a locus for divine indwelling.
In 'Home with God: A Life That Never Ends', Neale Donald Walsch delves into the ultimate questions of existence and transcendence. This book, the last installment of his bestselling 'Conversations with God' series, provides an uplifting and compassionate exploration of the transition from life on earth to the afterlife. Through his profound and personal dialogue with God, Walsch offers hope, comfort, and surprising revelations for all humankind, addressing the finality of death and the beginning of a new life in God's Kingdom.
In 'To Hell with the Hustle', Jefferson Bethke challenges readers to stop the relentless pursuit of more and instead find meaning in silence, obscurity, solitude, and vulnerability. The book offers practical advice on setting boundaries, embracing silence, and living a life of purpose in a world that values hustle and busyness.
In 'Subversive Sabbath', A.J. Swoboda offers a compelling case for embracing Sabbath as a spiritual discipline and form of social justice. By combining storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, and academic research, Swoboda presents Sabbath-keeping as a path to fuller and more joyful lives, highlighting its role in healing and restoring creation. The book challenges readers to adopt a countercultural approach to rest and community engagement.
Tim and Jon Responded to these questions:
David from Arizona (2:25)
My question is, does the frequent occurrence of the number seven and the seventh day in Genesis, Exodus, and the rest of the Bible have more to do with the authors creating design patterns within the narrative to make theological claims? Or is it actually how God himself worked in history? Maybe these are synonymous, but I would love to hear your response.
Ashley from Arizona (13:30)
I have a question for you regarding Jesus' words during his miracle at the wedding at Cana. When his mother points out that there is no wine, he takes six water pots used for purification and and then puts water in them and then turns those into wine. There seems to be a connection maybe with the six and bringing the best wine out last. But I'm wondering what the connection is between cups of wine in the seventh day. Is that a thing? Thanks so much for your thoughts and all the work you do.
Jesse from North New Zealand (20:50)
I was wondering about the practical implications of the theological discussion that you've been having. Jews have been practicing Sabbath rest and Sabbath observance for millennia, yet Christians kind of gave up on that a few centuries ago. Should we as Christians go back to Sabbath observance? Is there something more there that I've missed? What are the implications of this Sabbath rest for us as Christians in the world?
Jisca from Rwanda (25:34)
How do we apply the principle of rest in our time as Christians. What do we do with the inclination to rest on the seventh day? How do we live it out on a daily basis? Thank you.
Jon from Malaysia (25:55)
I work in the construction industry here, and it's common for people to work six days a week. This has truly made me appreciate the one day of rest that I get every week. However, a lot of my friends who work a normal five-day week say that working six days in today's world can be way too tiring. Could you share thoughts on the practicality of still working six days and resting one day in a modern world? And on the flip side of that, what are the biblical implications if I do not take a break by continually working seven days a week? Thanks for all you do, guys. I love your podcast. Keep it up.
Resources:
To Hell With The Hustle by Jefferson Bethke
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
God Dwells with Us: Temple Symbolism in the Fourth Gospel by Mary Coloe
The Subversive Sabbath by A.J. Swaboda
At Home with God: A Complete Liturgical Guide for the Christian Home by Gavin Long
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Show Produced by:
Dan Gummel
Show Music
Defender Instrumental by Tents
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