

Become New with John Ortberg
Become New
Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 28, 2025 • 13min
How to Overcome Self-criticism and Accept Your Body
Dive into the power of radical acceptance and see your body as a divine gift rather than a problem. Explore the damaging cultural standards of beauty and how they hinder true body acceptance. Discover how every body can be a place of God’s blessing and the importance of gratitude for our physical selves. John also introduces a thought-provoking perspective on consciousness without a body and shares a guided prayer to honor your embodiment. This is a heartfelt invitation to embrace and love the body you have.

8 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 13min
Why Mental Health Isn't Enough
The discussion dives into the importance of mental health but highlights that it shouldn't be life's ultimate goal. It challenges listeners to consider the limitations of mental health as simply feeling good. The talk emphasizes love as the highest aim, contrasting it with the pursuit of happiness. John explores the biblical concept of shalom, suggesting that true well-being encompasses caring for others. He warns against prioritizing comfort over love, urging a commitment to vulnerability, even if it brings pain.

Oct 22, 2025 • 14min
41. The True Meaning of "Jesus Christ Is Lord" (Philippians 2 Explained)
“God will meet all your needs…” You’ve probably heard that line before, maybe hanging in a frame or scribbled in a journal. But what did Paul really mean when he wrote it from a prison cell to a struggling church? In this episode, we close out the letter to the Philippians by looking at one of the most quoted (and misunderstood) verses in Scripture. What does it actually mean for God to meet our needs? What are our real needs? And how can we live in joyful confidence, even when circumstances fall short? Let’s dig into the deeper, richer, more radical invitation in Paul’s words — one that offers both challenge and comfort in today’s world.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

Oct 21, 2025 • 12min
40. God Will Meet All Your Needs
Paul is writing from a world where generosity was often about power, the rich giving so the poor would owe them something. But in this new Jesus-shaped community, giving is about love. Gratitude is real. Generosity is mutual. And God is the true source of provision; not status, not wealth, not self-actualization.Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.TEXT US at 855-888-0444EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.comGET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribeGET A TEXT REMINDER FOR NEW VIDEOS: text BECOME to 855-888-0444SEND US PRAYER REQUESTS: via text or email; we'll send you a written prayer from our team😊 Join Our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CnqywVp9s/🤳Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/become.new/Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF

6 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 10min
39. The Secret to Being Content in Every Circumstance (w/Nancy Ortberg)
Discover the idea that true joy might stem from having less, not more. John and Nancy explore a lighthouse keeper’s role as a metaphor for our spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of watching for God's work. Contentment, they argue, is fleeting and requires constant returning to faith. The discussion reveals that abundance doesn't equate to inner peace; rather, reliance on Christ is crucial. With God as our infinite anchor, listeners are encouraged to shift their focus from temporal desires to eternal truths.

Oct 17, 2025 • 15min
38. How Religion Can Make People Worse (and what to do about it)
Delving into Philippians 3, a warning against harmful religious attitudes emerges. The discussion explores how faith can distort into pride and division, creating an 'us versus them' mentality. Examples of tribalism in everyday life, like sports rivalries, highlight this danger. The contrast between bounded and centered faith sets the stage for a deeper understanding of spiritual community. Emphasizing inclusivity, the conversation urges a move towards embracing others, reflecting Jesus' teachings over exclusionary practices.

7 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 14min
37. Faith Isn’t Complete Until You Act
Delve into the connection between faith and action, as Paul encourages us to practice what we learn. Explore how true belief translates into living out obedience, generosity, and love. Discover the power of apprenticeship through stories like Jane Goodall's mentorship. Reflect on the importance of those we choose to disciple under and the hidden lessons we gain from their example. Finally, understand how serving can shape our character and invite the profound peace of God into our lives.

8 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 14min
36. How to Renew Your Mind (Philippians 4:8 Explained)
Discover how tending to the garden of our thoughts can lead to a life filled with peace and joy. Explore Paul's message about renewing the mind and the transformative power of virtuous thinking. Delve into inspiring stories like Saving Private Ryan that highlight honor and compassion. Learn practical tips on mindfulness and intentional thought, urging you to focus on what is true, pure, and lovely. This exploration invites you to be proactive in shaping your inner dialogue for a richer spiritual life.

Oct 14, 2025 • 14min
35. How to Pray When You Feel Anxious
Discover how to navigate anxiety through prayer as inspired by Paul’s teachings. John emphasizes that prayer is a conversation with God rather than a formula for results. Learn about the transformative 80/20 rule shared by Joni Eareckson Tada, encouraging more focus on heart change than on circumstances. Reflect on stories of divine guidance and the importance of community support in prayer. Ultimately, true peace emerges from letting go and inviting God into our lives.

12 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 15min
34. How to Stop Being Anxious About Tomorrow (w/Dr. Rick Blackmon)
Dr. Rick Blackmon, a clinical psychologist and spiritual leader, joins to tackle the burdens of anxiety. They dive into the distinction between healthy planning and harmful preoccupation, revealing how clinging to control amplifies worry. The conversation highlights the power of prayer as a remedy for anxiety and explores a metaphor illustrating the risks of fixating on outcomes. Dr. Blackmon offers tools for building tolerance for uncertainty and emphasizes that surrendering control can lead to true peace.


