Rule of Life

Dr. Tim Mackie, a scholar with the Bible Project Scholar Team, sheds light on reading Scripture as a transformative spiritual discipline. He emphasizes the power of reading aloud in community, a practice harking back to early house churches, to foster deeper connections with the text. The conversation dives into the benefits of engaging with larger passages to capture their unity and flow. Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion, making a compelling case for integrating communal reading into daily life, enhancing both understanding and personal growth.

Dr. Tim Mackie, Dr. Brittany Kim, and Hakeem Bradley from BibleProject dive into the complexities of scripture as wisdom and meditation literature. They explore how wisdom literature guides moral formation and character transformation, allowing readers to flourish. The trio emphasizes the beauty intertwined with wise living and the importance of meditative reading for deeper engagement. They also discuss the multidimensional nature of biblical narratives, encouraging listeners to embrace the communal journey of understanding scripture and reflecting on its profound insights.

Join scholars Tim Mackie, Brittany Kim, and Hakeem Bradley from BibleProject as they dive into the rich tapestry of biblical interpretation. They discuss the complexities of ancient texts, emphasizing the importance of cultural contexts to better understand moral guidance rather than rigid laws. The conversation highlights the Bible's unified narrative pointing to Jesus and explores messianic themes through key figures. They also touch on engaging with differing perspectives, inviting deeper connections with scripture that foster spiritual growth.

Tim Mackie, co-founder of the Bible Project, and Hakeem Bradley, a member of its Scholar Team, delve into fascinating discussions on the nature of Scripture. They challenge traditional approaches that limit understanding, advocating for a view that embraces the Bible as both human and divine literature. The duo emphasizes the importance of cultural context in interpretation and the transformative power of engaging with Scripture within a community. They introduce a framework aimed at fostering deeper connections to biblical texts, encouraging listeners to rethink their relationship with the Bible.

Join John Cortines, Director of Generosity at the McClellan Foundation, and Jimmy Mellado, President of Compassion International, alongside Sara Miller of A House on Beekman and Christian Huang from Mobilize Love. They discuss the nuances of giving, tackling misconceptions about tithing while emphasizing personal connections over mere donations. The conversation dives into transformative practices of generosity, the power of deep relationships, and the impact of collective small contributions on community needs, urging listeners to engage actively and empathetically.

Reward Sibanda, a senior advisor for church relations at World Vision, shares insights from his diverse cultural experiences. Patrick Johnson, founder of Generous Church, discusses the cultural implications of generosity. April Chapman, CEO of Generous Giving, inspires with personal stories that reveal generosity's transformative power. They delve into the disordered relationship with money, the biblical foundation of abundance, and the paradox of wealth versus generosity. This conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about finances to foster a culture of charitable giving.

Josh and Abbi, who learned early in their marriage to live on a meager income, share their transformative journey into minimalism and generosity. They discuss how frugality shaped their financial priorities, leading to a budget that prioritizes helping others. Their reflections reveal the joy of teaching their children about kindness through practical experiences. The couple emphasizes that the true fulfillment comes from generous giving rather than accumulating material possessions, fostering happiness and contentment for themselves and their family.

Join John Mark Comer, an author and speaker on spiritual formation, alongside Christian Dawson, a thought leader in community engagement. They dive deep into the extravagant generosity of the early church, challenging the conventional views on tithing. Explore what true communal care looks like, as they ponder who the poor really are and how we can serve them today. The duo discusses shifting from rigid giving to a joyful, generous lifestyle, emphasizing the power of relationships built on mutual support in addressing diverse needs within the community.

Lola grew up in a family that, in her words, “gave with ease.” When she joined a community of followers of Jesus, she experienced the same generosity during a period of unexpected difficulty. Taking in generous love softened her heart and kindled a desire to show up for others in need.This podcast accompanies the Generosity Practice, a four-session experience designed to help integrate generosity into your community. Learn more at practicingtheway.org/generosity. Thanks to The Circle and other givers, all our resources are free. To learn more about The Circle, visit practicingtheway.org/give. To run a Practice with your church or small group, visit practicingtheway.org/resources.

In this engaging discussion, John Mark Comer, a pastor and author known for his spiritual insights, teams up with Christian Dawson, a thought leader in theology and stewardship. They delve into the idea that we are stewards of God's resources, not owners, encouraging a shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. They also explore the challenges of aligning modern financial practices with biblical teachings, critique the prosperity gospel, and emphasize the moral responsibilities that come with wealth. A transformative conversation on generosity awaits!