Real Life Theology Podcast

What do we do when we are the ones suffering? Go deeper with this related RENEW.org article on faith, tragedy, and hope in suffering: https://renew.org/miracles-tragedy-and-hope-the-testimony-of-faith-in-the-midst-of-suffering/ No Turning Back: Deciding to Live the Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Revolutionary -- https://a.co/d/007H54CQ In Part 1, David Young addressed the question, “Why does God allow suffering?” by showing how Genesis 1-3 explains a good creation broken by sin. In Part 2, he turns to the more personal question: What do we do when we are suffering? David begins by sharing his own story. After a persistent cough in 2021 and 2022, a CT scan revealed a mass on his kidney, nodules in his lungs, spots on his spinal cord, something growing on his thyroid, and serious aneurysms on his aorta. Soon after, he learned he had stage four kidney cancer that had spread to his lungs. Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

If God is good and all-powerful, why is there so much suffering, pain, and evil in the world? Genesis 1-3 gives an honest starting point. Go deeper with this related RENEW.org article on why God allows suffering: https://renew.org/why-does-god-allow-suffering/ In this first message of a two-part series on suffering, David Young addresses one of the most difficult questions people ask about God: Why does God allow suffering? Many people struggle to believe in God because of the pain, evil, and injustice they see in the world. If God is all-good, wouldn’t He want to end suffering? If God is all-powerful, wouldn’t He be able to stop it? And if suffering still exists, does that mean God does not exist? Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

This episode continues the "Amazing Baptism" series with a scripture-based framework for understanding and teaching baptism, including the story behind a new booklet called "Baptism According to Scripture." Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

In this episode of the Real Life Theology podcast (Amazing Baptism series), Reggie from Christ Church of the Valley (Phoenix) shares how CCV built a culture that encourages people to follow Jesus and enter the waters of baptism. He outlines practical, transferable principles—anticipation, accessibility, visibility, and relational follow-up—plus tools (Next Step Centers, videos, volunteers, and short discipleship pathways) and real stories and stats that illustrate how to move people from decision to baptism and ongoing discipleship. Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

Guest Eddie Johnson of Southeast Christian Church explains the church’s “one-at-a-time” evangelism approach and how it produced 4,857 baptisms in a year. He describes the role of student camps, baptism weekends, the Southeast Recovery partnership, and the MOVE discipleship campaign aiming for 10,000 baptisms and new church plants. Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

Jeff Fall of Mount Gilead Church shares how intentional disciple-making, Decision Sundays, and a practical baptism class helped transform church culture and drive significant growth in baptisms and engagement. He highlights practical shifts—emphasizing beauty, unity, and Jesus—along with recovery ministry, staff alignment, and resources for equipping members to make disciples. Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

In this episode Adam Brewer of Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro, Arkansas, shares how the church saw 81 baptisms in 2025 through Spirit-led discipleship, recovery ministries (Promise House and Breaking Bonds), and intentional small-group mentoring. He reflects on joining the Holy Spirit’s work, the importance of emphasizing baptism, and practical lessons about evangelism, prayer, and discipling new believers. Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

In this opening episode, Scott Sager introduces Renew.org's Amazing Baptisms series and outlines the history of the Restoration Movement, explaining the origins and divergence of the Churches of Christ and the Independent Christian Church. The episode highlights baptismal evangelism, shared beliefs like believers' baptism and weekly Lord's Supper observance, and the growing collaboration between these groups as they rediscover common ground and learn from one another. Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

Mark Moore on Discipleship: From Written Scripture to Jesus and the Spoken Word Bobby introduces Bible teacher and author Mark Moore (Core 52), who speaks on discipling people through Scripture in a church context where many are new to the Bible. Moore explains barriers to Bible engagement and describes reducing biblical essentials to 52 core verses, then highlights three passages about Scripture: 2 Timothy 3,, Hebrews 4 (logos, pointing to Jesus as the living Word), and Ephesians 6. He warns against using Bible knowledge to impress rather than to obey and emphasizes memorization as a tool for meditation, sharing a story of a young woman helped by memorizing Romans 8. 00:00 Introducing Mark Moore 01:11 Why Discipleship Matters 01:40 Phoenix Church Growth Stories 04:42 Making Bible Language Accessible 06:17 Why the Bible Feels Intimidating 07:30 Core 52 Simplifying Scripture 08:38 Torah Scroll Reverence 11:22 Scripture Is God Breathed 13:04 Logos Points to Jesus 17:29 Rhema Spoken Word Power 19:30 Devils Tactics and Truth 21:07 Using Scripture Against Temptation 24:13 Memorization That Heals 28:48 Why We Remember What Matters 30:09 Biblical Vocabulary Shapes Culture 30:25 Jesus Shaped Language 31:25 Amen Amen Explained 32:23 Grace And Peace Greeting 33:04 Losing Biblical Vocabulary 34:24 Identity And Human Dignity 35:24 Discipleship Carrying Cross 37:00 Panel Joins The Stage 39:33 Bible Hunger In India 41:54 Reaching Non Readers 45:34 Why Memorize Scripture 48:17 From Knowledge To Obedience 50:15 Corporate Application Systems 54:09 Information Overload AI 58:50 Practical Memory Method 01:02:51 Wisdom Over Knowledge Wrap Visit Renew.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 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

Ajai Lall shares his personal background and the history of the Restoration Movement, explaining why he believes it calls the church back to the New Testament blueprint: Christ as head, Scripture as final authority, and a commitment to unity and missional disciple making. He highlights the movement's 19th‑century origins, its core principles — Christ alone, Scripture alone, unity in essentials, liberty in opinions, love in all things — and the emphasis on evangelism, self‑supporting churches, and practical mission work in India and beyond. Visit Renew.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 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

Josh and Lashi Howard share a message challenging listeners to live as true disciples who make disciples across generations. This episode exposes the cost, courage, and transformative power of life-on-life discipleship, prayer, and immediate obedience. Listeners are invited to examine their own faith, commit to training and releasing others, and join in prayer and sacrificial action so one obedient life can spark revival in families, communities, and nations. Visit Renew.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 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

Building a Disciple Making Church: One-to-One, Scripture, and Multi-Generational Ministry In this session, Matt Wilson shares how Ecclesia Christian Church grew over 11 years from a living-room gathering to more than 2,000 weekly attendees by centering everything on discipleship and community rather than platform-building or treating churches as stepping stones. He emphasizes loyalty to where God places leaders, warns against rushing small groups without qualified leadership, and advocates one-to-one discipleship, slow leader development, and resisting “terrorist” pressure tactics from demanding members. Ecclesia built clear pathways (DNA/core classes), discipleship-oriented serving teams, and an annual Easter-to-Pentecost churchwide 40-day disciple-making initiative with prayer, fasting, meals, and baptisms. Tina describes “Step Into Scripture,” a reproducible whole-Bible, yearly reading and table-leader model that builds biblical literacy across the body. They highlight integrating all generations, empowering students (including “Student Takeover”), and honoring every ability through ministries like Shine for special needs, aiming to equip the church to reproduce disciples. 00:00 Welcome and Warmup 00:54 Discipleship First Church 02:56 Faithfulness Over Platforms 05:27 Small Places Big Impact 06:44 Groups Versus One to One 08:49 Slow Leadership Pipeline 12:02 Serve Teams as Discipleship 13:20 Forty Day Churchwide Push 15:23 Step Into Scripture Model 21:07 One Body All Generations 25:01 Special Needs Shine Ministry 28:35 Maturity Milk and Meat 31:59 Discipleship Come With Me 36:03 Panel Family Culture QandA 45:51 Empowering Youth Takeover 50:31 Women and the Word 51:38 Closing Affirmation Visit Renew.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 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

Obedience-Based Disciple Making Ajai Lall emphasizes sacrificial obedience, noting Barna research and reporting severe persecution, including 125,000 Christians killed yearly and 14,600 church buildings and properties destroyed in India in 2024. Yet describing continued growth in places like Iran, Iraq, and India. He shares examples of believers worshiping and preaching at a police station after being beaten, a church that planted 109 churches and trained 400 gospel workers, and a former Taliban-involved man who became a church planter in India and abroad. He highlights Jesus’ authority, purpose, promise, and barrier-breaking unity, urging discipleship driven by compassion, action, and love. 00:00 Introducing Ajai Lall 01:01 Family and Thanks 02:51 Obedience Based Discipleship 04:13 Persecution and Growth 06:24 Police Station Worship 07:46 Great Commission Explained 09:51 Why We Dont Share 12:29 Purpose Making Disciples 13:18 Church Planting Stories 16:56 Breaking Barriers in Christ 18:28 Mind to Heart Challenge 19:42 Cricket and Compassion 20:51 Paralyzed Man and Action 22:32 Love Changes Everything 26:24 Final Blessing Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 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

Jesus Is King: The Discipleship Gospel Jonathan Storment, argues that entering God’s kingdom requires repentance—surrendering to Jesus as King under His authority. Using stories ranging from a traffic-stop misunderstanding to conversion, he explains that rebellion against authority runs deep in humanity. He warns that American churches can become “sociological, not Christological,” reshaping Jesus to fit cultural, political, or personal preferences. Citing examples like Jefferson’s cut-up Bible, the slave Bible, the Jesus Seminar, and altered Chinese Bible passages, he says some “Jesuses” and gospels must be rejected. Drawing from Matthew’s portrayal of Jesus’ authority and the cost of following Him, he urges leaders to stop editing Jesus and instead be changed by Him—the crucified, enemy-loving King—so the church can again turn the world upside down. 00:00 Welcome and Intro 00:46 Speeding Story Setup 01:35 Pulled Over and Frisked 03:16 Why We Resist Authority 04:14 Kingsnorth and Surrender 06:10 Churches Becoming Hollow 08:28 August and Nazi Pressure 09:17 Barth and Real Jesus 12:27 Rejecting Fake Jesuses 13:29 Matthew and King Jesus 15:09 Centurion Gets Authority 16:16 Jesus Gives Orders 17:50 Scissors Through History 22:33 Let Jesus Heal You 22:58 The Thorn Crown King 26:55 Turning the World Upside Down 28:16 Surrender and Closing Visit Renew.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early. https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/ 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

This video comes from the 2025 RENEW.org Driven Conference. This video features Orpheus Heyward, teaching on why the Word of God must be preeminent. Heyward argues that Scripture should hold first place in Christian faith, local ministry, and global impact, not competing with Jesus’ preeminence but revealing it as God’s documented revelation. Using 1 Corinthians 2, he contrasts worldly wisdom with God’s wisdom, emphasizing that the gospel’s power does not depend on persuasive speech but on the Spirit’s revelation of God’s hidden redemptive plan. He explains the “natural man” cannot accept spiritual truths, warns against watering down Christianity for comfort or acceptance, and urges churches to remain spiritually grounded in the Holy Spirit’s revealed Word as final authority. 00:00 Orpheus Takes Stage 03:02 Why Word Comes First 05:23 Reading 1 Corinthians 2 08:26 Corinth and Worldly Wisdom 12:08 Christ Crucified Over Philosophy 16:55 Mystery Revealed by Spirit 24:04 Natural vs Spiritual Mind 29:08 Final Call Stay Spiritual Visit Renew.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ 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

View the article at RENEW.org -- https://renew.org/review-the-desecration-of-man/ Renew Review of Carl Trueman’s ‘The Desecration of Man’ Using an analogy of sentient inflatables denying the existence of air pumps, the script summarizes Carl Truman’s book The Desecration of Man and its thesis. Building on themes from The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, Truman argues that without God nothing remains sacred, and attempts at self-deification produce a culture defined by transgressing limits and boundaries. The episode highlights Truman’s explanation for alliances among Western radicals and disparate causes as a shared project of overthrowing what prior generations considered authoritative or holy, and it emphasizes his chapter on sex, where sex becomes central to identity while being stripped of sacred limits, reducing people to objects. Truman’s proposed remedy is consecration through robust Christian belief, worship, and practice. 00:00 Sentient Inflatables Setup 01:11 Life Without Air Pumps 02:29 Truman and His Big Idea 03:57 Death of God Thesis 06:35 Desecration Through Transgression 07:42 Why Strange Alliances Form 09:33 Sex and Self Objectification 11:15 Consecration as the Remedy 12:09 Final Recommendation Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/ Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

What is “the machine,” and how is technology reshaping our culture, identity, and faith? Explore more Christian insights on technology: https://renew.org/a-jesus-centered-approach-to-technology/ In this RENEW Review, we examine Paul Kingsnorth’s Against the Machine and its warning that modern culture has traded human roots for efficiency, control, and technological power. Kingsnorth argues that healthy societies once shared a past, a people, a place, and a prayer. Today, he says, those roots have been replaced by science, the self, sex, and the screen. The review explores his idea of the “great unsettling,” his comparison of modern technology to a system that reshapes humanity, and his provocative claim that artificial intelligence may be demonic. It also offers an important Christian counterpoint: technology can become an idol, but human creativity and innovation remain God-given gifts. Instead of embracing naïve optimism or anxious paranoia, Christians need wisdom, discernment, and a healthy middle ground. Discover why this challenging book may permanently change how you view technology, culture, and the screens surrounding us. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:05 How long can an uprooted culture survive? 01:18 Against the Machine by Paul Kingsnorth 01:57 Wendell Berry, Arthur C. Clarke, and modern idols 05:29 The great unsettling and global anti-culture 08:49 What is “the machine”? 09:40 Is Kingsnorth too pessimistic about AI? 11:15 A Christian response to technology Visit RENEW.org to sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know about new content, books and resources. https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ 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

Book Review: 'Practicing the Way' by John Mark Comer - Transforming Discipleship in the Church In this Renew Review, we explore John Mark Comer's book 'Practicing the Way: Be With Jesus, Become Like Jesus, Do as He Did.' This book is the cornerstone of Comer's ministry, aimed at making discipleship central in churches. We dive into the three core goals of being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did, and discuss practical insights and sage advice drawn from Comer's 20 years of ministry experience. The review highlights the practical, realistic, and theologically sound nature of the book, along with its comprehensive approach to spiritual growth. However, it points out a notable omission: the integration of evangelism into the discipleship and spiritual formation process. This episode provides a thorough overview of how this book can serve as a valuable resource for individual Christians and church communities. Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/ Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

This episode features a renew review of Kyle Idleman and Mark Moore’s The Missing Messiah, explaining what it means for Jesus to be the Christ/Messiah. Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/ Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/

This episode features a review of The Case for Christian Patriotism. The review distinguishes patriotism from Christian nationalism and argues that Christians should love their country as an expression of gratitude to God and neighbor love while avoiding both naïve idealization and cynical rejection of America. Download the free RENEW.org App - https://renew.org/renew-app/ Visit RENEW: https://renew.org/ Check out the following from RENEW.org: Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/ Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/ Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/ Articles: https://renew.org/articles/ Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/ Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/ Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/ Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/ Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/ Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/ Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/ Sign up for our newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/