Real Life Theology Podcast

Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today’s episode will help us understand the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and strategic networking in planting Hispanic churches. It will also help us explore biblical examples and practical strategies to overcome unique challenges in these communities. Bilingual Workshop on Mentoring and Networking in Ministry   Key Takeaways  00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:23 Bilingual Workshop Format 02:28 Biblical Examples of Teamwork and Mentoring 05:51 Paul's Relationships and Mentoring in Romans 16 08:20 Priscilla and Aquila: Tentmakers and Mentors 12:02 Paul's Networking and Mentoring Strategy 24:15 Latino Christian Movement's Mission and Vision 26:36 Importance of Networks and Regional Mentors 28:41 Interactive Discussion on Networks 33:50 Challenges in Hispanic Church Planting 34:12 Financial Sustainability and Fundraising 34:47 Cultural Differences in Giving 35:02 Extended Support for Hispanic Churches 35:29 Role of Latino Pastors 36:41 Success Stories in Church Planting 37:19 Diverse Hispanic Cultures 38:35 Bilingual and Multigenerational Challenges 39:29 Partnerships with Anglo Churches 42:50 Personal Experiences and Testimonies 45:05 Addressing the Needs of the Hispanic Community 53:55 Long-term Integration and Cultural Identity 59:24 Final Thoughts and Prayer See below for a longer description:  In this episode, John Bliffin, director of the Latino Christian Movement, leads a bilingual workshop on mentoring, teamwork, and networking for church planting in Hispanic communities. He shares insights from his 38 years as a missionary, diving into biblical examples of mentorship, such as the relationships in Romans 16 and Acts 18. John explores the importance of mentorship in Paul’s ministry and the principle of 2 Timothy 2:2, emphasizing the necessity of passing on teachings to others. He also discusses the Latino Christian Movement’s vision of building networks of Hispanic churches across the U.S. and highlights the unique challenges, including finances, cultural diversity, and bilingual needs. The episode concludes with practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, along with testimonies and reflections on fostering cultural integration in church planting efforts.

Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today’s episode will help us understand the urgency of disciple-making and transformational preaching, equipping us with practical strategies to foster a culture where faith is not just preached but multiplied. Transformational Preaching and Disciple Making: Insights from Dr. Billy and Micah Odor In this episode, Dr. Billy Strother from Central Christian College of the Bible and Micah Odor discuss the importance of integrating preaching with disciple making. Dr. Billy highlights the need for preaching to be text-based, Christocentric, doctrinal, storied, simple, and transformational. They explore the challenges of modern congregations, citing various statistics about beliefs, and the crucial role of continual engagement through mentorship and discipleship. Micah Oter shares practical insights on cultivating faith beyond the sermon, emphasizing the importance of personal investment and replicable disciple-making systems. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer 03:44 Personal Journey and Theological Insights 10:10 Understanding Disciple Making 15:41 Current Socio-Political Biblical Landscape 21:36 Effective Biblical Preaching 31:12 The Power of Storytelling in Preaching 31:51 Simplicity in Sermon Delivery 32:27 The Importance of a Central Theme 33:52 Transformational Preaching 34:43 The Art of Persuasion in Sermons 36:59 Challenges in Evangelism and Discipleship 42:14 Mentorship and Follow-Up in Ministry 47:56 Investing in People Over Systems 51:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement See below for a longer description:  This episode, dives into the challenges and urgency of disciple-making and transformational preaching in today’s churches. Micah Odor and Dr. Billy Strother explore the decline in biblical literacy, the need for Christ-centered, text-driven sermons, and the importance of equipping believers to mentor and replicate disciples. Through personal stories, research insights, and practical strategies, they challenge church leaders to move beyond systems and invest in people, fostering a culture where faith is not just preached but multiplied.

Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today’s episode will help us recognize the root causes of burnout and equip us with practical routines, faith-based strategies, and mindset shifts to prevent it and lead with strength. Conquering Burnout and Leading Powerfully: Insights from Christian and Deb Flores In this episode, Christian and Deb Flores share their experiences and insights on conquering burnout and leading powerfully. They discuss the sources of burnout, such as stress, circumstances, and lack of resources, and offer practical solutions for managing stress, finding direction, and becoming resourceful. The session includes personal stories, practical advice, and audience interaction to help viewers understand and overcome burnout by establishing healthy routines, immersive learning, and continuous growth. Tune in to learn how you can transform your life and lead effectively by mastering stress management and embracing personal and professional development. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Welcome and Introduction 03:13 Understanding Burnout 07:38 Phases of Burnout 10:19 Personal Stories of Burnout 19:18 Managing Stress and Finding Solutions 23:33 The Win the Day Practice 31:47 The Power of Daily Rituals 33:20 The Importance of Self and Soul Care 34:17 Weekly Rhythms and Sabbath Practices 36:45 Family Mission Trips and Vacations 37:40 Avoiding Burnout and Managing Stress 42:28 The Role of Circumstances in Stress 42:58 The Importance of Direction and Speed 45:21 Immersive Learning and Overcoming Gaps 47:43 The Power of Clarity and Consistent Action 57:40 Resourcefulness Over Resources See below for a longer description:  In this episode, Christian and Deb DeFlores tackle burnout—how to overcome it and lead with strength. Christian opens with a prayer, setting a reflective tone before he and Deb share their backgrounds, highlighting their diverse work in church leadership, nonprofits, digital marketing, and coaching. Their firsthand experiences with high demands make them well-equipped to discuss burnout from multiple angles. They identify three key burnout triggers: stress, circumstances, and resources—with stress coming from external pressures, circumstances being life’s misalignments, and resources reflecting a lack of support or tools to manage challenges. Rather than just treating symptoms, Christian emphasizes the need to address burnout at its root for lasting change. A core takeaway is the “Win the Day” practice—starting the day with structured routines including physical activity, contemplation (prayer, scripture, journaling), and learning. This approach shifts the mind from anxiety to creativity and productivity, helping prevent burnout. The discussion moves to goal-setting and clarity as antidotes to feeling stuck, a common side effect of burnout. Christian explains that having a clear direction reduces stress and that immersive learning—actively filling gaps in knowledge and skills—helps maintain forward momentum. Christian also challenges the idea that burnout stems from a lack of resources, arguing that more often, it's about not leveraging existing resources effectively. He suggests that when used wisely, resources tend to multiply. Closing with a Scriptural perspective, Christian references Romans 12:2, emphasizing the power of a renewed mind in transforming one’s life. The episode reinforces the idea that while stress is unavoidable, burnout is preventable through intentional routines, clear goals, and a mindful approach to spiritual and personal well-being. This conversation blends practical strategies with personal stories and faith-based insights, offering listeners a roadmap to resilience, balance, and empowered leadership.

Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today’s episode will help us understand how churches can move beyond growth to true multiplication by embracing disciple-making, overcoming common barriers, and leveraging collaborative church planting strategies. Understanding the Renew Movement: Church Planting and Multiplication Join Todd Wilson and Brett Andrews in an in-depth discussion about the Renew Movement and its mission to address issues in church planting and disciple making. Discover crucial findings from national studies showing less than 7% of U.S. churches are involved in church planting, and understand the five-level framework used to measure church multiplication. Learn about the six distinctives of Renew Movement, focusing on sound theology, disciple making, healthy support, accountability, reproduction, and collaboration. Understand the practical pathways for church planting and how churches can affiliate with Renew Movement to make immediate and impactful decisions. The session also introduces new opportunities for church planters and churches through multipliers' journey and MSO cohorts, aiming for robust disciple making and church multiplication. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:36 Current State of Church Planting 04:09 Framework for Measuring Church Growth 07:49 Challenges in Church Reproduction 10:13 Importance of Multiplication 27:38 Renew Movement's Mission and Distinctives 29:30 Renew Faith Statement: A Theological Distinctive 31:04 Reproduction: Planting Churches that Plant Churches 32:38 Immediate Involvement in Church Planting 35:50 Pathways for Planting: Collaborative, Parent, Pioneer, and Affiliate 38:32 Affiliation with Renew Movement 44:49 Legacy Churches: Revitalization and Rebirth 48:03 Multipliers Journey and MOS Cohorts   Renew Movement – Workshop Episode In this episode, Todd Wilson, Brett Andrews, Patrick Bradley, and Dave Putman break down the Renew Movement’s approach to church planting and affiliation. They explore key strategies, current challenges, and how churches can shift from growth to true multiplication. Todd Wilson kicks things off by outlining the session’s focus: understanding today’s church planting landscape, how to affiliate with Renew Movement, and tackling common obstacles. He notes that their audience includes both new church planters and existing churches seeking affiliation. A Q&A session follows, with lunch providing an opportunity for extended discussions. The State of Church Planting The team examines two national studies revealing troubling trends: fewer than 5% of U.S. churches actively make disciples, and only 7% are engaged in reproducing or planting new churches. Wilson stresses the connection between disciple-making and church planting—strong discipleship fuels sustainable church growth. They introduce a five-level framework for church growth: Level 1: Declining churches (35%) Level 2: Plateaued churches Level 3: Growing churches Level 4: Reproducing churches Level 5: Multiplying churches  The challenge? Most churches never move beyond growth to reproduction, and true multiplication is rare. Addition vs. Reproduction Wilson clarifies a crucial distinction: adding services or campuses isn’t the same as planting new, self-sustaining churches. Many multisite models expand attendance but don’t create independent church-planting movements. Brett Andrews tackles the biggest barriers to church reproduction—fear of scarcity (lack of resources) and fear of inadequacy (lack of wisdom). He encourages leaders to trust God’s provision and lean on collaborative church networks. Six Core Distinctives of Renew Movement Sound Theology – Ensuring doctrinal integrity in church planting. Disciple-Making – Making disciples the foundation of church growth. Healthy Support Systems – Offering coaching, training, and assessment. Reproduction DNA – Embedding multiplication into new churches. Accountability – Maintaining mission alignment and integrity. Collaboration – Encouraging churches to work together in planting efforts. Wilson highlights that every church is just one decision away from church planting, thanks to Renew’s collaborative model. He introduces four planting pathways—Collaborative, Parent, Pioneer, and Affiliate—each designed to meet different needs. For struggling churches, Renew also provides a path for legacy churches to transition their resources and vision into new church plants. Closing Thoughts Wilson and his team emphasize the importance of theological alignment and accountability in the evolving church planting landscape. They invite attendees to engage with Renew by affiliating, joining learning sessions, and embracing collaborative planting strategies. At its core, this episode underscores Renew Movement’s mission: moving churches beyond simple growth into true multiplication, equipping them to disciple and reach more people effectively. Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today’s episode will help us understand how churches can move beyond growth to true multiplication by embracing disciple-making, overcoming common barriers, and leveraging collaborative church planting strategies. Understanding the Renew Movement: Church Planting and Multiplication Join Todd Wilson and Brett Andrews in an in-depth discussion about the Renew Movement and its mission to address issues in church planting and disciple making. Discover crucial findings from national studies showing less than 7% of U.S. churches are involved in church planting, and understand the five-level framework used to measure church multiplication. Learn about the six distinctives of Renew Movement, focusing on sound theology, disciple making, healthy support, accountability, reproduction, and collaboration. Understand the practical pathways for church planting and how churches can affiliate with Renew Movement to make immediate and impactful decisions. The session also introduces new opportunities for church planters and churches through multipliers' journey and MSO cohorts, aiming for robust disciple making and church multiplication. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:36 Current State of Church Planting 04:09 Framework for Measuring Church Growth 07:49 Challenges in Church Reproduction 10:13 Importance of Multiplication 27:38 Renew Movement's Mission and Distinctives 29:30 Renew Faith Statement: A Theological Distinctive 31:04 Reproduction: Planting Churches that Plant Churches 32:38 Immediate Involvement in Church Planting 35:50 Pathways for Planting: Collaborative, Parent, Pioneer, and Affiliate 38:32 Affiliation with Renew Movement 44:49 Legacy Churches: Revitalization and Rebirth 48:03 Multipliers Journey and MOS Cohorts   Renew Movement – Workshop Episode In this episode, Todd Wilson, Brett Andrews, Patrick Bradley, and Dave Putman break down the Renew Movement’s approach to church planting and affiliation. They explore key strategies, current challenges, and how churches can shift from growth to true multiplication. Todd Wilson kicks things off by outlining the session’s focus: understanding today’s church planting landscape, how to affiliate with Renew Movement, and tackling common obstacles. He notes that their audience includes both new church planters and existing churches seeking affiliation. A Q&A session follows, with lunch providing an opportunity for extended discussions. The State of Church Planting The team examines two national studies revealing troubling trends: fewer than 5% of U.S. churches actively make disciples, and only 7% are engaged in reproducing or planting new churches. Wilson stresses the connection between disciple-making and church planting—strong discipleship fuels sustainable church growth. They introduce a five-level framework for church growth: Level 1: Declining churches (35%) Level 2: Plateaued churches Level 3: Growing churches Level 4: Reproducing churches Level 5: Multiplying churches  The challenge? Most churches never move beyond growth to reproduction, and true multiplication is rare. Addition vs. Reproduction Wilson clarifies a crucial distinction: adding services or campuses isn’t the same as planting new, self-sustaining churches. Many multisite models expand attendance but don’t create independent church-planting movements. Brett Andrews tackles the biggest barriers to church reproduction—fear of scarcity (lack of resources) and fear of inadequacy (lack of wisdom). He encourages leaders to trust God’s provision and lean on collaborative church networks. Six Core Distinctives of Renew Movement Sound Theology – Ensuring doctrinal integrity in church planting. Disciple-Making – Making disciples the foundation of church growth. Healthy Support Systems – Offering coaching, training, and assessment. Reproduction DNA – Embedding multiplication into new churches. Accountability – Maintaining mission alignment and integrity. Collaboration – Encouraging churches to work together in planting efforts. Wilson highlights that every church is just one decision away from church planting, thanks to Renew’s collaborative model. He introduces four planting pathways—Collaborative, Parent, Pioneer, and Affiliate—each designed to meet different needs. For struggling churches, Renew also provides a path for legacy churches to transition their resources and vision into new church plants. Closing Thoughts Wilson and his team emphasize the importance of theological alignment and accountability in the evolving church planting landscape. They invite attendees to engage with Renew by affiliating, joining learning sessions, and embracing collaborative planting strategies. At its core, this episode underscores Renew Movement’s mission: moving churches beyond simple growth into true multiplication, equipping them to disciple and reach more people effectively.

Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today’s episode will help us explore the significance of embracing a theological approach to ministry over a utilitarian mindset, fostering a deeper connection with God and individuals we serve. Shifting from Utility to Theology: Deepening Ministry with Personal Connections In this session, we delve into the thought-provoking ideas of theologian Christos Janaras, exploring how Western culture's current pursuit of utility over truth impacts our churches and lives. We advocate for a theological approach to ministry focused on truth and personal connections, rather than utilitarian tactics. Through historical context, personal anecdotes, and a critique of modern ministry models, this video aims to inspire a shift towards a more meaningful and person-centered ministry. Join us to understand the profound importance of connecting deeply with God and others in a true ministry of love.   Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to Western Culture and Truth 01:04 Impact of Utility on Churches and Lives 01:44 Advocating for Theological Approach 02:19 Personal Background and Ministry Experience 03:23 Church Growth and Trends in America 05:46 Relational Discipleship and Utility in Ministry 07:15 Theological Approach vs. Pragmatic Approach 13:10 Loving People in Ministry 15:56 Critique of Utilitarian Ministry 21:58 Economic Capitalism in Ecclesiology 26:02 Understanding Needs vs. Wants in Ministry 26:14 A Personal Approach to Ministry 26:54 A Mission Trip Experience 28:15 The Importance of Personal Connection 28:46 Advocating for Personal Ministry 31:54 The Concept of 'I and Thou' 35:24 Objectification in Ministry 40:07 Theological Foundations of Personal Ministry 49:56 The Impact of Personal Ministry 51:33 The Pitfalls of Utilitarian Ministry 52:36 The Joy of Theological Ministry – – – –  Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW

Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today’s episode will help us understand the challenges and rewards of building a disciple-making culture in a church, following the model of Jesus. Building a Disciple-Making Culture in Your Church In this heartfelt and motivating speech, a speaker from Real Life Ministries discusses the importance of building a disciple-making culture within the church. He recounts personal stories and challenges faced, including the recent loss of a close friend and mentor. Emphasizing the need to follow Jesus' model of discipleship, he explains how to create a sustainable, intentional, and reproducible process for making disciples. The speaker stresses the importance of establishing a culture rooted in biblical principles, building intentional relational environments, and fostering a commitment to disciple-making as a lifestyle. This talk provides both inspiration and practical advice for church leaders looking to navigate the complexities of modern ministry and remain true to their mission. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:22 Honoring a Dear Friend 01:50 The Importance of Culture in Disciple Making 04:45 Personal Journey and Church Growth 08:25 Challenges and Triumphs in Church Planting 16:21 Building a Biblical Foundation for Disciple Making 23:37 Building on a Biblical Foundation 23:45 Intentional Lifestyle for Disciple Making 24:40 The Power of Multiplication 28:31 Creating Relational Environments 30:21 A Story of Transformation: Greg's Journey 37:28 Reproducible Processes in Disciple Making 42:09 The Challenges and Rewards of Disciple Making – – – –  Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW

Check out RENEW.org Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/  Get the Book – Following Jesus in Politically Politically Divided World: https://a.co/d/bVAq9KI Today's episode will help us explore how Christians can navigate political conversations while staying true to their faith and Jesus' teachings in a deeply divided world. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Navigating Politics as a Christian: Truth, Division, and the Call to Discipleship In this episode, we delve into the challenge of political discourse in today's divided world from a Christian perspective. The speaker reflects on the civility of past political debates and contrasts it with the current climate of anger and misinformation. The discussion explores how Christians can navigate these conversations while staying true to their faith and the teachings of Christ. Key topics include the prevalence of false teachings, the importance of upholding a biblical worldview, and practical ways to engage in political conversations effectively. Using insights from various authors and apologists, the speaker provides a comprehensive guide for Christians to remain firm in their beliefs while extending grace in discussions. The talk concludes with practical steps for churches and individuals to foster unity and discernment within their communities. Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction: Reflecting on Past Elections 01:03 The Shift in Political Discourse 01:57 Christian Engagement in Politics 02:42 Challenges Facing the Church 03:44 False Teachings and Biblical Worldview 06:50 Historical Context and Church Movements 10:09 Modern Church Strategies and Their Impact 11:37 Navigating Political Conversations as Christians 12:00 Eight Ways to Navigate an Election Year 30:02 Understanding the Role of Government 37:56 Conclusion: Engaging in Spiritual Conversations   Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW

Check out Josh Branham’s book on What Are You Waiting For?: A Young Leader's Guide to Changing the World: https://a.co/d/3AtqhWv   Check out RENEW.org Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/  Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/    Inspiring Young Leaders: An Interview with Josh Branham Join us as we sit down with Josh Branham to discuss his transformative new book, 'What Are You Waiting For? A Young Leader's Guide to Changing the World.' In this episode, Josh dives into the challenges young people face today, from disillusionment to distractions, and the importance of dreaming big. He also shares personal anecdotes from his journey, insights into his pastoral work at Hill City Church in Boise, Idaho, and practical advice for current and future young leaders. Don't miss this insightful conversation on inspiring the next generation to step into their calling and change the world. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction to Josh Branham and His Book 00:34 The Importance of Dreaming Big 01:40 Challenges Young People Face Today 03:47 Message to the Disillusioned Youth 06:51 Josh's Personal Journey 07:54 Misconceptions About Alaska and Australia 09:49 Hill City Church: A Unique Journey 13:05 Raising Up Young Leaders in Church Ministry 15:39 Premise of the Book: Start Today 20:33 Encouragement for the Disillusioned In this episode, Josh Branham dives into his new book, What Are You Waiting For? A Young Leader's Guide to Changing the World. It’s all about inspiring young people to hold onto their big dreams and take action instead of waiting for the "right time." Josh kicks things off by tackling why so many young people stop dreaming big—disillusionment and distraction. He shares how well-meaning advice from parents, teachers, and mentors often pushes kids toward "safe" career paths, causing them to abandon their passions. Add in the constant stream of media, and many end up living vicariously through others instead of pursuing their own purpose. One moment that really hit home for Josh was his daughter’s kindergarten graduation, where kids boldly declared dreams of becoming pop stars, dancers, or veterinarians. Fast forward a few years, and those dreams often shrink under the weight of practicality and expectations. But Josh insists that young people are naturally wired to dream—and his book is about keeping that fire alive. At its core, What Are You Waiting For? is for those who feel stuck, cynical, or unsure about their future. Josh’s message is clear: You were created for a purpose, and with faith, anything is possible. He especially wants to encourage young leaders to step up now, not later. Josh shares his own story—from growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska, to moving to Australia at 16, which challenged him to grow in independence and faith. Later, at Boise Bible College, he felt called to ministry, leading to 15 years of experience as a youth pastor and eventually planting Hill City Church in Boise. The conversation also covers Hill City’s evolution—from a satellite campus to an independent church, merging with an older congregation during the pandemic, and even launching a satellite campus of their own. Josh paints a vivid picture of their historic downtown Boise building, complete with stained glass and deep community roots. Josh also highlights a growing challenge: fewer young people entering church ministry. He hopes his book will be a tool for church leaders to raise up the next generation, encouraging them to step into their calling now instead of waiting for “someday.” One key idea? Young people’s greatest strength can be recognizing their own weaknesses—it makes them open to learning and growth. Ultimately, Josh hopes his book will inspire at least one person to step into ministry or intentional service. He sees it as a practical guide for youth groups, internships, and mentorship programs—not just to inspire but to equip. As the episode wraps up, Josh speaks directly to young people feeling lost or discouraged. He’s been there and wants them to know—God has a plan for you. Don’t wait. Believe in your potential, take action, and trust that God will work through you. His final message? Hope, purpose, and the courage to step into the calling that’s already yours.

Check out RENEW.org Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/  Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today's episode will help us explore the theology of the new heavens and the new earth, examining the restoration of our relationship with God, our hearts, and the physical world itself. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Theology of the New Heavens and New Earth: A Deep Dive into Hope and Restoration Join us as we delve into a profound theological exploration of the new heavens and the new earth. Embracing themes of hope, restoration, and redemption, this session discusses how the promise of God's eternal kingdom strengthens, encourages, and instills joy amidst life's sorrows. Key topics include the day of the Lord, the dual nature of Jesus' coming, the renewing power of God's glory, and the complete restoration of our relationships, hearts, bodies, and even the physical earth. Highlighted by personal testimonies and inspired by works like John Eldredge's 'All Things New,' this teaching offers an insightful and uplifting perspective on our ultimate destiny as believers. Key Takeaways  00:00 Opening Prayer and Reflection 03:01 Introduction to Theology of New Heavens and New Earth 03:12 Historical Context and Prophetic Expectations 05:13 The Already and Not Yet Kingdom 05:41 Envisioning the New Heavens and New Earth 07:37 Personal Reflections and Inspirations 09:46 Restoration of Relationship with God 15:57 Restoration of Our Hearts 20:55 New Heavenly Bodies 28:04 Exploring Jesus' Post-Resurrection Encounters 28:58 The Nature of Jesus' Resurrected Body 29:59 The Significance of Scars and Healing 34:12 Supernatural Aspects of Resurrected Bodies 36:02 The Role of Clothing in Resurrection 38:48 The New Earth: A Restored Paradise 44:32 The Restoration of Society and Nations 52:12 Living with Eternal Hope and Purpose   Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW

Check out RENEW.org Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/    Interested in more content from RENEW? Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/  Today's episode will help us grasp the profound significance of the New Heavens and the New Earth, offering hope and motivation through a detailed exploration of biblical teachings and personal reflections. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early.  https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/  Exploring the New Heavens and the New Earth: A Deep Dive into Christian Eschatology This episode dives into the profound theological concept of the New Heavens and the New Earth, exploring its biblical foundations and its significance in Christian faith. The speaker passionately discusses how this doctrine is central to understanding the ultimate state of redeemed humanity and its implications for our lives today. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural analysis, viewers are encouraged to find hope and motivation to endure life's hardships. The discussion covers systematic theology, eschatology, and the intrinsic hope tied to the Christian belief in the restoration of all things. Viewers will gain insights into the vibrant, eternal future promised in the scriptures and how it shapes our present existence. Key Takeaways  00:00 Introduction and Session Overview 00:55 Preparing Our Hearts for God's Word 01:50 Renew's Mission and Theological Foundation 02:50 Exploring the New Heavens and the New Earth 08:31 The Gospel Story and Human Questions 12:48 The Importance of Future Hope 20:53 Biblical References to the New Heavens and the New Earth 24:51 Jesus' Teachings on the New Heavens and the New Earth 30:39 Ancient Prophecies and Hebrew Worldview 32:18 The Day of the Lord: Judgment and Salvation 36:10 The Already-Not-Yet Tension 38:36 Utopian Imagery from Isaiah 39:25 Prayers for Grief and Hope 40:36 The New Heavens and the New Earth 52:07 Philosophical Reflections on Redemption 55:18 The Tree of Knowledge and Good and Evil 59:18 Concluding Thoughts and Doxology   Be sure to like, subscribe and follow on social media!  You can find us on: Instagram: @the.renew.network  Facebook: Renew.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RENEWnetwork Twitter: @therenewnetwork TikTok: the.renew.network  Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/RENEW