The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations Podcast

In this week’s episode, I offer a deep dive into the story of the Magi from Matthew 2:1–12. I explore the contours of the story to discover challenges for religious insiders and invitation for those on the margins. Sign up for Brian's Free Monthly Deep Dive Spirituality Update: Resources to fuel your Spiritual Growth, Biblical Interpretation and Missional Imagination: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Brian Russell’s Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/49MS0ee Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer Information on Brian’s Signature Deep Dive Spirituality Coaching for Pastors and Spiritually Minded Leaders:  www.deepdivespirituality.com Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: deepdivespirituality@gmail.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Brian Russell shares his transformational takeaways from his study of the Scriptures related to Advent 2024. Week 1: Psalm 50; Zech 14:1-8; 1 Thes 3:6–13, Luke 21:25–33 Our mighty One, God the Lord, who alone is the righteous judge and our redeemer and deliverer. Help us to be mindful of the times so that we can wait expectantly and confidently for your arrival. Fill our hearts with gratitude so that they are open for the infusion of your holy love in order that we may stand firm in faith and manifest love for one another and for the world at the coming of our Lord Jesus. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen Week 2 Psalm 126; Malachi 3:1–5; 1 Cor 4; Luke 3:1–6 Almighty God, who refines, purifies and restores the fortune of your people. Forgive us our sins. Cut out the idols in our hearts and the injustice that manifests in our lack of love for our neighbors. May we become stewards of your mysteries, voices of hope that announce your coming, and dreamers who embody before the world what you have done in Christ Jesus Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit as One God, now and forevermore. Amen Week 3 Psalm 85, Zeph 3:14–20; Phil 4:4–9; Luke 3:7–20 O God of our salvation, who embodies steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace, Be powerfully present as in days of old. Grant us the courage of true repentance so that we may bear fruit that signals our readiness for the deep work you desire to do in us and through us. Send your Holy Spirit and your fire. Renew and revive a people for yourself that we may exult before the nations in the good news of your salvation.  To you our King: Father, Son and Holy Spirit be all glory now and forevermore. Amen Week 4 Psalm 80, Mic 5:2–5a, Luke 1:39–56, Hebrews 10:1–10 O Lord, our God of the hosts of heaven, Cause us to turn back to you so that we may be saved. May your loving gaze shine anew upon us during this season.  We wait patiently for you to renew us as you did in ancient times. Grant us the faith of Elizabeth and Mary who received your Word and acted on it. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Sanctify us fully through your Son our Lord Jesus Christ the coming One.      To whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.  Sign up for Brian’s Deep Dive Spirituality Monthly Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Interested in a coaching relationship with Brian for 2025? Email today: brian@brianrussellphd.com for a deep conversation to see if you are a good fit or check out www.brianrussellphd.com Brian Russell’s Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/49MS0ee Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife   Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  

In this week’s episode, Alastair Sterne takes us on a deep dive into true biblical joy.  Buy Alastair’s Books: Longing for Joy: An Invitation into the Goodness and Beauty of Life https://amzn.to/3ZUGmuD  Rhythms for Life: Spiritual Practices for Who God Created You to Be https://amzn.to/3hvWOZG   .  Books Mentioned by Alastair  Charles Taylor Robert Robertson Andrew Root Willie Jennings Connect with Alastair: Website: www.ordinarymatters.com   www.alastairsterne.com/  Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings? Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  When you sign up, I'll share the Gratitude Amplifier tool with you. If you only want the tool, email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  Brian Russell’s Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/    Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer   Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #wesley #holiness #perfectlove #spiritualgrowth Links to Amazon are affiliate links. Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations gets a small fee if you purchase products through the links. This does not affect the price you pay. Thank you for supporting my podcast by ordering some of the suggested resources or by using the links on the way to buy things that you normally use via Amazon.

Dr. Matt O’Reilly takes us on a deep dive into a biblical exploration of sanctification. We talk about his latest work Free to Be Holy and discuss key elements of understanding and proclaiming the biblical doctrine of entire sanctification for the 21st century. Buy Matt’s book: Free to Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification https://amzn.to/49xJmQQ Connecting with Matt:  website http://www.theologyproject.online  YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/theologyprojectonline  Twitter: @mporeilly  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theologyprojectonline  https://amzn.to/49xJmQQ Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice (Emory Studies in Early Christianity) https://amzn.to/35diOoH  Bless the Nations: A Devotional for Short-Term Missions https://amzn.to/2GyeRAO  The Letters to the Thessalonians https://my.seedbed.com/product/the-letters-to-the-thessalonians-onebook-daily-weekly/  Resources Recommended by Matt:  Athanasius, On the Incarnation https://amzn.to/3D04iDV  Ayers, Bounds, and Friedman; Holiness: A Biblical, Historical and Systematic Theology https://amzn.to/49o4AQQ  Kinlaw, Mind of Christ https://amzn.to/3OForlc  Verlyn Klinkenborg, Several Short Sentences about Writing https://amzn.to/3c0ZvAo   Carolyn Moore, Art of Holiness podcast: https://artofholiness.com/  Oswalt, Called to Be Holy https://amzn.to/3ZrqVZq  John Wesley A Plain Account of Christian Perfection https://amzn.to/2ZIuLiF Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings? Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter   Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com   Brian Russell’s Books  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ   Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/   Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer:  https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer   Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife   Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.  #holiness #perfectlove #spiritualgrowth    

In this week's episode, Dr Joe Dongell (Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary) takes us on a deep dive into John Wesley's Theology of Love. Joe offers a true depth of insight into Wesley's ideas about holiness and heart of life. You will be informed and inspired by Dongell's reflections. Check out Joe Dongell's latest book The Most Excellent Way: John Wesley's Theological of Love (Seedbed, 2024): https://amzn.to/3B1BZ7n Connecting with Joe: Joe.Dongell@asburyseminary.edu  Books Recommended by Joe Dongell: G. Eldon Ladd, A Theology of the New Testament https://amzn.to/3ZdEyv1 Ernest Becker, The Denial of Death https://amzn.to/3ZbJ5ye Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings? Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter  When you sign up, I'll share the Gratitude Amplifier tool with you. If you only want the tool, email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com  Brian Russell’s Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ  (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9  Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/    Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer   Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #wesley #holiness #perfectlove #spiritualgrowth

In this week’s episode, I take a deep dive into the role and power of gratitude for opening us to higher levels of spiritual growth in 2024. Cicero wrote: "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." Interested in receiving a monthly update that includes a list of resources/books that I've found helpful as well as my most recent essays, content, and offerings? Sign up: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter When you sign up, I'll share the Gratitude Amplifier tool with you. If you only want the tool, email me: brian@brianrussellphd.com Join Brian’s Monthly free centering prayer gathering: www.centeringprayerbook.com Resources Recommended on Today’s Episode: Marcus Aurelius Meditations https://amzn.to/2LrD1za Epictetus Discourses https://amzn.to/2LrTEe4 and Enchiridion https://amzn.to/3bfDIX9 Seneca Letters from a Stoic https://amzn.to/3rYtwZa Brian Russell’s Books Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation https://amzn.to/3uuWCoQ Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ (Re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade Books) https://amzn.to/30tP4S9 Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/ Brian’s Recommended Resources on Centering Prayer: https://www.brianrussellphd.com/post/my-top-ten-favorite-resources-on-centering-prayer Connecting with Brian: Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #gratitude #thanksgiving #spiritualgrowth

Dr. Kevin Watson takes us on a deep dive in the doctrine, spirit and disciplines that have fueled the Methodist movement. We talk about entire sanctification as well as the lessons modern “Wesleyans” can draw from our past in the hope of experiencing deep renewal in our day.  Kevin Watson (PhD, Southern Methodist University) is Director of Academic Growth & Formation at Asbury Theological Seminary. He regularly teaches on the history of Methodism and the Holiness Movement and Wesley’s theology of discipleship. Buy Kevin’s latest book: Doctrine Spirit and Discipline: A History of the Wesleyan Tradition in the United States. https://amzn.to/3OcS2lM   Sign up for Brian's new monthly Deep Dive Spirituality Update: www.brianrussellphd.com/newsletter Here are links to Kevin's most accessible writings on Methodist class meetings, bands, and discipleship:  Perfect Love: Recovering Entire Sanctification—the Lost Power of the Methodist Movement https://amzn.to/3xPLJ2U  The Band Meeting: Rediscovering Relational Discipleship in Transformational Community (co authored with Scott Kisker) https://amzn.to/2Wd4aZW   A Blueprint for Discipleship: Wesley's General Rules as a Guide for Christian Living https://amzn.to/2Wz36hP   The Class Meeting: Reclaiming a Forgotten (and Essential) Small Group Experience https://amzn.to/2AbgSzP Old School or New School Methodism https://amzn.to/3CBtP69  Kevin also recommends the following writings for those interested in taking the next step in their spiritual formation: John Wesley. The Sermons of John Wesley: A Collection for the Christian Journey (eds. Collins and Vickers) https://amzn.to/2L6u4b5  Finke and Stark, The Churching of America 1776–2005: Winners and Losers in Our Religious Economy https://amzn.to/4fyHpFW  Aaron M. Reno https://www.firstthings.com/article/2022/02/the-three-worlds-of-evangelicalism  Want to connect with Brian? www.brianrussellphd.com Sign up for centering prayer resources: www.centeringprayerbook.com Brian Russell’s Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support.

Brian takes us on a deep dive into the provocative question that Jesus asks a blind beggar: “What is it that you want me to do for you?” Rooted in Psalm 13 and Mark 9:30–10:52, Brian offers a powerful challenge both to disciples and to outsiders desperate for what only God can do. Want to connect with Brian? www.brianrussellphd.com Sign up for centering prayer resources: www.centeringprayerbook.com Brian Russell’s Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #Jesus #kingdomofgod #bartimaeus 

In this week's episode, Brian Russell hosts Dr. Russell West. Russ shares about his leadership journey and offers actionable tactics and tips for helping to build dynamic teams that advance their mission in transformational ways.  Check out Dr. Russell West's latest book: The Culturally Conscious Board: Setting the Boardroom Table for Impact https://amzn.to/4hwviuq Connecting with Russell West:  www.RussellWest.info LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/russell-w-west-ph-d-92b8a94b www.Culturallyconsciousboard.com www.Worthplacecollective.com Books Recommended by Russ: Adler, How To Read A Book https://amzn.to/4eapjsp Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull https://amzn.to/4ejsoWW Ong, The Presence of the Word https://amzn.to/3AgvzRz Brian Russell’s Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group?  Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #leadership #leadership #leadershipcoaching

Brian Russell talks about how to navigate seasons of spiritual dryness.  He offers trench tested spiritual practices that will help you grow through the dark nights of the soul. Questions or need help? Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Brian Russell’s Books:  Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (Invite Press): https://amzn.to/3W2oFqN (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade, 2016) https://amzn.to/46tP8kV  Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life (2021) https://amzn.to/2S0AcIZ   Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed) https://my.seedbed.com/product/onebook-invitation-by-brian-russell/  Connecting with Brian:  Website: www.brianrussellphd.com  Twitter: @briandrussell  Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife  Interested in coaching or inviting Brian to speak or teach for your community of faith or group? www.brianrussellphd.com Email: brian@brianrussellphd.com  Links to Amazon are Affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, Amazon returns a small percentage of the sale to Brian Russell. This supports the podcast and does not increase the price of the items you may choose to buy. Thank you for your support. #spiritualgrowth #spirituality #darknightofthesoul