Become New with John Ortberg

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the radical call for gentleness in today's world. Explore how Paul contrasts gentleness with traditional zeal, a quality he admired before a life-changing encounter. Reflect on the significance of gentleness, highlighted through literary characters and personal stories. Learn about Jesus' redefinition of zeal, transforming it from violence to self-giving love. This enlightening conversation encourages listeners to embody gentleness, making it a powerful, visible trait in their lives.

Explore the profound idea of God's presence throughout the Bible, from Adam and Eve to Moses. Discover the beauty of experiencing God's nearness in creation and through people. Learn how to integrate the thought of 'the Lord is near' into daily life for a richer spiritual journey. John Ortberg highlights the accessibility of God and the importance of an open heart in receiving that connection. Take on challenges for small acts of obedience to deepen your relationship with the divine.

Join Pastor Steve Clifford as he shares his journey of trusting God through life's changes and losses. He highlights the powerful phrase 'whatever happens' from Philippians, and how it anchored him during transitions. Steve emphasizes living with confidence in God’s presence, finding hope even in later ages, and reframing good and bad days based on faith rather than circumstances. He also shares insightful stories of unexpected divine encounters, urging us to let our true experiences shine as authentic testimonies.

Discover how joy transcends mere mood, transforming into a peace-filled worldview that embraces both hardships and blessings. Learn from the teachings of Jerry Hawthorne and the Apostle Paul about joy's resilient nature, which defies sorrow and fear. Explore the distinction between genuine joy and forced positivity, and understand how joy is rooted in trust and vulnerability. Ultimately, find out how serving others can be a powerful pathway to experiencing true joy.

Delve into the transformative journey of reconciliation, exploring a powerful metaphor of a cathedral door as a gateway to vulnerability. Discover how narratives of grievance can fuel anger and conflict, and learn reflective questions to identify these stories. Unpack the courage it takes to embrace love over pride, illustrated through a historical Irish feud. John emphasizes practical steps to foster harmony within communities, inviting listeners to embrace shared humanity for genuine reconciliation.