Mike Erre, a teaching pastor at Journey Church and prolific author, joins to explore how we can know when God is speaking to us. He shares insights on engaging with scripture to enhance daily life and the importance of community in discerning true divine messages. Through personal anecdotes, they discuss recognizing God's voice in nature and relationships. Erre emphasizes the need for active prayer and relational intimacy with the divine, reassuring listeners about their agency in navigating God's guidance.

Join a lively storytelling session where the tale of Jonah unfolds with humor and insight. Explore Jonah’s reluctance to follow divine commands and his fantastic encounter with a whale. Delve into themes of repentance and the humor behind his three days at sea. Discover the deep symbolism of ashes in mourning rituals and the philosophical questions raised by Jonah's conflicting emotions. This engaging discussion is perfect for anyone curious about faith, compassion, and the human experience.

Grace Hamman, a scholar and author known for her insights into medieval Christian faith, dives into the enchanting story of St. Nicholas, revealing his acts of kindness and the origins of modern-day Santa Claus. She discusses how historical narratives shape our holiday traditions and the importance of secret giving. The conversation also touches on the theological significance of saints and encourages listeners to appreciate the true spirit of Christmas, emphasizing generosity and the deeper meanings of the holiday beyond materialism.

Justin Brierley, a writer and speaker known for bridging conversations between faith perspectives, joins Kaitlyn to tackle the crucial question of God's existence. He distinguishes between knowing and proving God's reality and shares insights on how parents can engage children about faith in today's skeptical world. Brierley advocates for a rational defense of God's existence, touching on concepts like human dignity and the universe's fine-tuning. He emphasizes that faith is a dynamic journey, shaped more by personal experience than just intellectual arguments.

Dr. Jonathan Pennington, a New Testament scholar and associate pastor, joins to explore the intriguing differences between the kingdom of God and eternal life. He discusses how Jesus’ teachings reveal their connection, emphasizing that one can’t have eternal life without embracing the kingdom. The conversation highlights the transformative power of these concepts in shaping faith and communal responsibility. Dr. Pennington also challenges the idea of salvation without active discipleship, urging a deeper relationship with God and community.

Dr. Esau McCaulley, a New Testament scholar and associate professor at Wheaton College, joins to discuss the fascinating dynamics of fear in relation to Jesus. He explores who felt fear and who found safety in Christ, demonstrating the complex emotional landscape of His disciples. The conversation highlights transformative moments in the gospels, emphasizing how encounters with Jesus evoke both awe and discomfort. McCaulley also unpacks the daunting yet hopeful implications of the resurrection, urging listeners to embrace the tension between fear and faith.

Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, and a Harvard PhD in Near Eastern Languages, dives into the fascinating story of the Tower of Babel. He explores the historical reliability of biblical texts while emphasizing that the moral lessons they teach about humanity and God are paramount. The conversation connects ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats to human ambition and divine judgment. Kim reveals the complexities of language diversity and highlights the ongoing relevance of these themes, including the need for humility in our relationship with God.

Sky Jatani, co-host of Getting Schooled, engages with Kaitlyn Schiess to unpack the Book of Revelation, often perceived as daunting. They discuss its historical context, focusing on early Christians' struggles under Roman rule. The conversation challenges traditional interpretations, emphasizing Revelation's message of hope rather than fear. They explore the significance of the letters to the seven churches and encourage a deeper, communal engagement with the text, transforming fear into a journey of faith and resilience.

Deborah Haarsma, an astrophysicist and president of BioLogos, joins to explore profound questions about the purpose of the cosmos. She discusses how the beauty of creation reflects God's character, emphasizing that the vastness of the universe illustrates divine glory. Debating life beyond Earth, she connects these ideas to faith, discussing the intersection of science and spirituality. Haarsma encourages curiosity in understanding both scientific insights and theological narratives, suggesting that all truth stems from God.

Corey Widmer, the lead pastor at Third Church and PhD holder in theology, dives into the complexities of biblical morality. He addresses a child's intriguing question about the differing moralities of the Old Testament God and Jesus. The discussion explores how cultural contexts shape biblical narratives and highlights the importance of understanding God's nature through the lens of the Trinity. Widmer emphasizes the need for peacemaking in today’s world, urging a unified interpretation of the scriptures that reflects God's desire for reconciliation.