Unsearchable Riches: 100 Facets to the Diamond of Christ
He is inexhaustible. Unsearchably rich (Eph 3:8). Bottomless. We receive him, thinking he’s a pond, only to discover over time he’s an ocean. In him there is surprise after surprise. Endless discovery. Startling wonders around each bend. He’s ruling and reigning over the entire cosmos such that the top headline of both FoxNews and CNN […]
Episode 259: Why Stories Matter
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the importance of “story” as it pertains to our testimonies and to preaching and teaching, as well as the biblical and theological significance of the concept of story, before discussing Jared’s new book The Storied Life: Christian Writing as Art and Worship. The Storied Life, designed for writers and artists of all kinds, is published by Zondervan and is available to order/purchase wherever you buy Christian books. Order before May 7 and you can get access to Jared’s FREE teaching videos either for writers or preachers. More details at: www.zondervan.com/p/the-storied-life/
A Sacred Silence: How Witholding Words Helped Me Heal
In the past, God used trials to refine both my soul and my art. Regardless of the darkness faced, processing with the Lord birthed poems and words. I often turned to the Psalms, with their patterns of lament, repentance, and praise. So, it shocked me when the pattern shattered, and Psalm 88:18’s final words permeated […]
The Pornography Pandemic
Pornography is not often talked about in the church, but pornography is often on the minds of many church members. Pornography is a growing pandemic, and it is only getting worse. It is reported that 93% of pastors see it as a much bigger problem than it was in the past.[1] As the Church, we […]
Episode 250: Grab Bag!
It turns out the Grab Bag concept was a hit! Y’all liked the first episode with this concept so much, we’re going to make it a regular feature on the program. In the Grab Bag episodes, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson each bring 2 surprise topics or questions for the other to answer.
Episode 248: Thinking the Best of Each Other
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about a “hermeneutic of suspicion” in our relationships and the impact of viewing others this way upon our lives and local churches. Why should we “believe all things” about others? And how can we do that?
Digital Detox, Intentional Ignorance, and the Proximity Principle
For Christians to thrive in the modern era, there are two spiritual disciplines we must adopt: Digital Detox (fasting from screens) and Intentional Ignorance (fasting from information). The rapid growth of digital technology has implications for our spiritual formation. The form of connectivity that comes with smartphones and watches is fundamentally new in human history; […]
Leaving Christianity: How an Old Man Helped Save My Faith
When I was in 10th grade, the Power Team came to my church. They were a group of powerlifting Christians who went around from mega-church to mega-church, lifting weights and smashing bricks in order to bring “glory to Jesus.” I was excited to see them “perform/preach,” but I was mostly excited that my friends and […]
Episode 236: When It’s Hard to Forgive
What’s the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Why is it so hard to forgive? Do we have to forgive everybody? On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared and Ross tackle these difficult questions and discuss why we have such trouble with forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation.
Episode 234: Can We “Do Life Together?”
How can church members foster a greater sense of community with each other? What does it mean to “do life together,” and is it even possible in our Western culture? Jared and Ross talk about the possibilities and the pitfalls of experiencing community with other believers.