Word of Life Church Podcast

ShineCollective SoulGive me a wordGive me a signShow me where to lookTell me, what will I find?What will I find?Lay me on the groundAnd fly me in the skyShow me where to lookTell me, what will I find?What will I find?Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down...Love is in the waterLove is in the airShow me where to lookTell me, will love be there?Will love be there?Teach me how to speakTeach me how to shareTeach me where to goTell me, will love be there?Will love be there?Whoa, Heaven let your light shine down...

Delve into the spiritual questions raised by Joan Osborne's iconic song and its exploration of God's nature. The podcast examines how music acts as a bridge to understanding spirituality, prompting reflections on the divine in our everyday lives. It critiques traditional views, advocating for an open-minded approach to faith while celebrating the nostalgia of the 90s. Discover the significance of God's incarnation and the importance of community, love, and grace in nurturing our relationship with the divine.

Explore the profound theme of God's neighboring presence, emphasizing His choice to dwell among us. Discover the lasting impact of kindness and community, inspired by 'Mr. Rogers' teachings. Delve into Jesus' journey, highlighting His shared human experiences through suffering and His victory over death. Learn how embracing faith transforms our view of life and encourages deeper awareness of God's presence through kindness, prayer, and communal worship. Celebrate the invitation to partake in Holy Communion as a reflection of continuous divine companionship.

When by the grace of God we realize that who we've become is not who we are supposed to be, the good news is this: We can put our trust in Jesus, be reborn, and begin the salvation journey of becoming the person we were always meant to be.

Can the gospel be told as a tragedy? Obviously. And it certainly was by the Apostles. Before we jump to the triumph of the resurrection we must first face the tragedy of the cross.

The gospel is the divine comedy that begins with a ninety-year-old woman having a baby and concludes with a slain lamb overcoming all the monsters of the abyss. This is the divine comedy we’re invited join by simply believing that Jesus is Lord, and the joke is on the devil.

In a Voyage and Return story the central character travels out of their familiar, “everyday” surroundings into another world completely cut off from home. This other world is strange, different, exotic, and perhaps at first, exhilarating. But eventually a shadow intrudes. Things begin to change…for the worse. The traveler increasingly feels threatened or trapped. At some point they will need to return home—but enriched and transformed. Unlike the Quest plot, the journey away from home is usually by accident or a mistake—they pass through the looking glass, fall down the rabbit hole, or stumble through a wardrobe into another world. There will be adventures and dangers, but the story ends with the hero returning home, now with greater wisdom and a newfound appreciation.

"You seek a great fortune, you three who are now in chains. You will find a fortune—though it would not be the fortune you seek. But first, first you must travel—a long and difficult road, a road fraught with peril. You shall see things wonderful to tell. You shall see a cow on the roof of a cotton house, and oh, so many startlements. I cannot tell you how long this road shall be, but fear not the ob-stacles in your path, for fate has vouchsafed your reward. And though the road may wind, yea, your hearts grow weary, still shall ye foller the way, even unto your salvation." -O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Exploring the theme of 'rags to riches' in various narratives, including the gospel story of Jesus Christ, biblical figures like Joseph and David, and iconic characters like Superman and Rocky Balboa. The podcast reflects on the idea of ordinary beginnings leading to extraordinary success through trials and unexpected paths to greatness.

Exploring the concept of storytelling in relation to human desires, this podcast delves into the seven basic plots found in literature and movies. It discusses the symbolism of the sea monster in biblical prophecy, the triumph of Jesus over death and evil, and modern iconography portraying Jesus as a hero defeating evil.