Become New with John Ortberg

Dive into the concept of glory, exploring its deep, soul-level significance beyond surface fame. Uncover how ancient hymns and modern psychology connect, revealing glory as essential for meaningful living. Discover the beauty of the Incarnation and how Jesus brings divine glory closer to us. Find inspiration in recognizing God’s glory in everyday moments and learn to embrace a life filled with purpose. Plus, John encourages complete devotion with a fun Hokey Pokey metaphor—putting your whole self in!

Dive into the inspiring journey of Noel Regney, a WWII survivor who channeled his experiences into the beloved carol, 'Do You Hear What I Hear?'. The discussion reveals a beautiful love story that blossomed across language barriers. Explore the contrast between 'thin' and 'thick' descriptions as a way to deepen your understanding of yourself and God. John challenges listeners to seek a deeper connection with the divine and encourages a transformative view of the world as God sees it.

The podcast dives into the profound meaning of The First Noel and its surprising audience: humble shepherds. It emphasizes the joy of the incarnation, showcasing Jesus' solidarity with the poor. Listeners are encouraged to see every person as a divine masterpiece, worthy of recognition and respect. John highlights the power of greetings, suggesting that a simple act of kindness can transform interactions. The discussion blends history, spirituality, and practical insights, making it a refreshing take on how we view ourselves and others.

Dive into the profound meaning behind the carol 'Good Christian Men, Rejoice' as it highlights the significance of the word 'news' in the gospel. John Ortberg explores the contrast between the transformative good news of Jesus and the false gospels of success and power. He emphasizes that the gospel is a life-altering announcement rather than mere advice, opening heaven's presence in our lives today. Discover how this message impacts our everyday choices and relationships, making faith a dynamic journey.

Uncover the inspiring tale of Good King Wenceslas, whose generosity shaped Bohemia. Explore the connection between the carol and Proverbs 11:25, emphasizing that giving enriches both the giver and the receiver. Discover how a simple shift to asking 'What can I give today?' can transform our daily perspective. The podcast dives into fascinating research illustrating how generosity benefits our health and relationships, and shares practical examples of kindness that can fill every day with meaning.

Uncover the surprising origins of 'Joy to the World,' originally inspired by Psalm 98 and not intended as a Christmas carol. Explore the three Advents: the birth of Jesus, His presence in our hearts, and His future return. Dive into the communal joy of singing and how it shapes our theology and inner lives. Experience the power of collective effervescence and the importance of choosing the song you carry into the world. Discover how joy can flourish even amidst sorrow, encouraging a celebration of life and faith.

In this engaging discussion, Steve Cuss, a pastor and leadership coach specializing in anxiety management, shares insights on navigating holiday stress. He delves into how family dynamics trigger old patterns and explains the contagious nature of reactivity. Steve emphasizes practical tools like noticing reactivity and using curiosity to stay grounded, alongside exploring Jesus as a model of a non-anxious presence. He also introduces a breath-prayer ritual to help re-center before gatherings and exposes the false gospel of self that fuels anxiety.

Dive into the true meaning of gratitude this Thanksgiving! Discover the fascinating origin of the cornucopia and its ties to Greek mythology. Explore a biblical vision of abundance that contrasts with our everyday negativity bias. John delves into the importance of practicing gratitude and outlines four key facets of thanksgiving. Listeners are invited to reflect on gifts from creation, the beauty of everyday blessings, and the profound spiritual gifts that shape our lives. Wrap it all up with a guided prayer to express heartfelt thanks!

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Rick Blackmon, a psychologist and counselor specializing in relationships, dives into the complexities of honesty. He explains why honesty is crucial for building intimacy and trust while revealing how dishonesty can fracture relationships. They explore five forms of dishonesty and share real-life examples from therapy. Additionally, listeners are challenged to practice telling a loved one a meaningful truth. This insightful conversation offers practical tips to cultivate honesty in everyday life.

This episode shares a touching true story from Burundi, highlighting the extraordinary courage of a Hutu teacher known as 'Little Bird.' In a time of conflict, he chose to pray for his executioners and led his fellow condemned in a powerful hymn of surrender. Discover how his final act became a beacon of hope, transforming soldiers' hearts and lives. The discussion emphasizes the profound concept of Christian hope during life's darkest moments, urging listeners to practice gratitude and trust.