We Used To Be Friends

We discuss the Book of Philippians, a letter to a group of people who had endeared themselves to the Apostle Paul. He writes to them from jail, but you wouldn't know it. Paul reminds them to be grateful, to value others above yourself, to serve others, and to do everything without grumbling or arguing. Could Paul write a letter to our teenagers? Maybe not. BJ also says Tracy is more like spaghetti. Listen for that enlightening context!

In this special episode, Father Vincent Lampert talks about his training in Rome, the 4 degrees of demonic possession, and the "reality of evil." Father Vince walks us through the signs of possession: speaking and understanding a language foreign to their own, superhuman strength, knowledge of things they shouldn't know, and a negative reaction to anything sacred. He receives over 3,000 exorcism requests, per year! Wow. Just, wow...

We thought Rick Rubin's book: The Creative Act would be one way, but it wasn't. It was too "woo-woo" according to BJ. However, there were several connections that could be made to the Bible's assertations on creativity. The famous music producer may not give credit to God for creative acts, but we do. And we talk about it! 

Rabbi Jason Sobel was raised in Jewish home, earned two degrees in Jewis and International Studies, and has written Mysteries of the Messiah and The God of the Way with Kathie Lee Gifford. His newest book, Signs and Secrets of the Messiah: A Fresh Look at the Miracles of Jesus is out now! Apparently, by having faith in Jesus we are "royalty!" Good to know!

Victory Boyd is a multi-faceted jazz, folk, and soul singer who is about to go on a fall tour with Lauren Daigle. She wrote with Kanye West on several of the songs on his album Jesus is King and her newest album, Glory Hour, is out now! "When you're in the awe of God, everyone else seems so small."

Eventually, the "Man in Black" saw the light! Director Ben Smallbone takes a deep dive into Johnny Cash's return to his faith. With never before seen footage of Cash himself, Ben also interviewes several music stars as they discuss the huge influence he had on them. Ben shares some of the things he learned and what impressed him the most!

The book The Go Giver inspired our discussion on parenting integrity, being hopeful like Ted Lasso, and the love we should be showing and giving others. The quote, "There is no hate like Christian love" should really cause you to think. And act. And change, how you think, act, speek, and how you feel, about others. BJ shares a great quote, "we shouldn't accept anyone into our buildings that Jesus wouldn't accept." Hmmm... really makes you wonder.

Josh picked out the book, The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg and John David Mann, for us to read. Even though it's more of a book written to inspire business professionals, we all took away some valuable lessons from it. BJ says it again, there is no work-life balance, it should be work-life engagement. Two of the most important points in this book are to touch lives, and be real. We couldn't agree more!

The Thorn is a visually dynamic and heart-stirring theatrical portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Not your average Passion play, The Thorn combines martial arts, aerial acrobatics and emotionally powerful performances that have been engaging audiences across the US for over 20 years. John Bolin is bringing this live project across the country, and a special filmed performance to theater audiences on two nights only: March 6 and March 7.

Director Brent McCorkle talks about his newest movie, Jesus Revolution, starring Kelsey Grammer, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Jonathan Roumie, and others! We talk about the way to a crew's heart (tacos), the importance of making a killer film (and letting God do the rest), and getting paid (in spiritual currency). He hints that yours truly might be good at making movies and we geek out over Star Wars. 

Tracy meets with The Chosen's Amanda Jenkins. The Chosen is now the most successful crowd-funded television event in history. This is a huge deal! The Chosen currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an audience score of 99%. It's also rated at a 9.6 on IMDB. It's safe to say, The Chosen is a critical hit, and a hit with audiences as well! Amanda writes all of the companion content for this well-reviewed show. 

BJ chose Atomic Habits by James Clear to close out Season 3! We found connections in both our professional and personal lives. Choosing systems and how you do things, over goals and end-results, helps you become more successful at everything you do - and it all starts with a small step!

Mercy Me's Barry Graul joins us for their new album: Always Only Jesus! We talk about Thanksgiving, the music that inspires us, the creator, and how Mercy Me creates and inspires others. Barry was a lot of fun!

Jon Reddick talks about "zooming out" and seeing the big picture. This inspiring singer and songwriter, as well as visual artist, joins us in conversation about Thanksgiving, his craft, new material coming out, and even parenting. This guy has a voice like butter and if the piano moves you, give this guy a listen!

Former Cardinal and Angel, Scott Spiezio quotes Psalms 40, which sums up the highs and lows of his Major League Baseball career and his personal journey with addiction. "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." What a comforting scripture for our 100th episode!

Two-time World Series champion Scott Spiezio walks us through his battle with addiction. Just like some legendary at-bats with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels, he's had to grind through some things to find and remain in sobriety. "I can rewrite a better ending, instead of worrying about the past. I can't right all the wrongs, but I can at least do well from here on out."

Deeper into this Bible verse, you can really begin to digest the meaning behind it. Anyone who believes that Jesus is the son of God is going to Heaven. Pack your bags! Punch your ticket! You're going! Actually, you won't need those bags...

We begin our conversation about Max Lucado's book 3:16 The Numbers of Hope and talk about the Bible verse John 3:16.

BJ throws down some thought provoking ideas on sin that really sets the stage and contextualizes this verse. BJ said "When we accept Jesus, we die to sin."

This verse, that has inspired signs at sporting events all over the world is arguably the most important message in the Bible: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This led us into a meaningful discussion on sin, and what Jesus' death and resurrection has done for our lives. 

Elijah, one of the most prominent people from the Bible, suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. God stayed with him and helped bring him out of that and into a life rich with love and value. God hasn't changed. He can do these things for you. We conclude our conversation with Chris Hodges about these negative thoughts and what we can do about them.

Do Christians struggle with negative thoughts and depression? Do Christians ever have suicidal thoughts? Chris Hodges, author of Out of the Cave: Stepping into the Light when Depression Darkens What You See uses Elijah's story to highlight that they most certainly do. However, we can overcome those thoughts. Josh, Tracy, and Chris share their personal stories of darkness and what brought them into the light.