Christian Formation
312 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratingsThe goal of this podcast is to form disciples to live all of life with the presence of God, and we do this through conversations about theology, culture, and stories.
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Episodes
232 - Prep for 8+ Years Married
April 24, 2024 08:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBThis is episode 4 of our dating and marriage relationship series where we address common questions from people in our church. This episode seeks to provide wisdom for couples who have been married 8+ years, identifying common pain points and ways to press into the Lord together during marriage.
231 - Wisdom for the First 3 Years of Marriage (with Debbie Nordstrom and Jim Shaffer)
April 17, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBThis is episode 3 of our dating and marriage relationship series where we address common questions from people in our church. This episode seeks to provide wisdom for newly married couples, identifying common pain points and ways to press into the Lord together during the first couple years of marriage.
230 - Don't Settle, Be Equally Yoked in Marriage
April 10, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBOver the next couple of weeks, we are addressing the topics of dating and marriage, specifically certain questions we’ve received from individuals in our church family. This is episode 2 of our dating / marriage relationship series and focuses on the topic of being equally yoked, or dating / marrying someone who is also a Christian. We address questions such as: - What if I “think” the person I am dating is a Christian? - Can’t I just choose that life will be harder if I marry a non-Chris...
229 - Sex Before Marriage (with Daniel Bidne)
April 03, 2024 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBOver the next couple of weeks, we are going to address the topics of dating and marriage, specifically certain questions we’ve received from individuals in our church family. This episode focuses on the topic of Sex Before Marriage and addresses whether it is a wise choice, where we see scripture address the topic, and our own thoughts on the issue. The questions we cover include: Where in the Bible do we see the idea that sex is reserved for marriage? What about Christians who say they ...
228 - Passover
March 27, 2024 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBAll people need a substitute to escape God’s judgment and enjoy God’s presence. In Exodus, we see Israel has to learn that if they want to live with God, it is through a substitute. For us today, our access to God’s presence is solely by a great substitute that allowed God’s just wrath to pass over us, and instead offer life and forgiveness. We, then, must live in light of the great hope of our passover lamb. Join us as we discuss Passover and helpful Bible Reading Tips when seeing themes ...
227 - Judgment in the Bible
March 20, 2024 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBMaking sense of judgment and de-creation in the Bible isn't easy. Oftentimes, it can cause us to question God's character or simply leave us confused. In this episode, we unpack the theme of judgment in the Bible, asking questions like: Is judgment good? What would be true about God if he didn't judge? How do we escape this judgment? Links - Sunday Exodus Sermons
226 - Circumcision
March 13, 2024 08:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBWhy is circumcision such a big deal in the Old Testament? In Exodus 4, it seems as if God is going to take Moses’ life because of a failure to circumcise his son. Join us as we discuss why circumcision is so important for God’s people and what implications does it have for us today. Links - Sunday Exodus Sermons Bible Reading Tip - Write down different passages and / or questions as you are reading scripture. What comes to mind? How could that be connected? - Is the idea of circumcision us...
225 - Trusting God's Means of Salvation
March 06, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBIn this episode we seek to trace the theme of trusting God's means of salvation by looking at the ark in the stories of Noah and Moses. Links - Sunday Exodus Sermons Bible Reading Tip - Ask yourself, "Have I seen something like this before?" When you recognize a theme or similar story in the Bible. Then, rest in it. Meditate on it and what God could be saying to you.
224 - Fearing God
February 28, 2024 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBIn this episode we seek to trace the theme of choosing/fearing God, or choosing evil. From Eve in the garden, to the midwives, to prophets, to Jesus, we see choices for good or evil throughout the Scriptures. And we too have a choice - trust God or trust the snake’s deception. Links - Sunday Exodus Sermons Bible Reading Tip - Ask yourself, have I seen something like this before? When you recognize a theme or a strange story in the Bible. If someone is struggling in their awe and reverence...
223 - Pharaoh and the Snake
February 21, 2024 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBIn this episode, we discuss the snake imagery that spans the entire Bible and how it can better help us appreciate God's redemptive plan for history. Some questions we hit in this episode are: What does the snake imagery in the Bible mean? Where do we see various instances of snake imagery? How does the snake imagery point back to God prevailing over all evil? We also give insight as to why knowing biblical themes helps you better read and love to read your Bible. To learn more about P...
222 - Lenten Practices
February 14, 2024 09:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBIn the last episode, we discussed what Lent is, the history behind it, and and reasons why we might want to consider observing Lent. In this episode, we talk about some common ways to practice Lent, including fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. Join us for the conversation! Resources The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation 103 - Why Sundays Matter for the Church Christian Formation Episode 109 - How t...
221 - Understanding Lent
February 07, 2024 09:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBAt Providence, we observe the church calendar in regard to Advent, Christmas, and Easter, however, the other pieces of the calendar we have missing from our church rhythms. In this episode, we take time to discuss what Lent is, the history behind Lent, and and reasons why we might want to consider observing Lent in our personal lives this year. Resources The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation 103 ...
220 - God's Love
January 31, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBIt is easy to lose sight of or never really think about how much God loves us—who he's made us to be, how he delights in us, and how he really is our good father. In this episode, Andrew shares his experience of God's love in relation to the love he's experienced for his own children, and how his suffering has shown God's love in greater ways.
219 - Can Men and Women Be Friends?
January 24, 2024 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBOne of our members asked us to chat about the topic of friendship, and in today's episode, we ask the question as to whether Men and Women can be "friends." Disclaimer: This is not Providence Church's official stance, and the conclusions drawn by Ravyn, Nate, and Grace might be subject to change as well. This is a conversation to get our minds thinking about how we define "friend" and how we steward friendships with the opposite sex. Listen to minutes 18–25 to hear where they potentially...
218 - Honesty in Friendship
January 17, 2024 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBOne of our members asked us to chat about the topic of friendship, and in today's episode, we focus on the idea of honesty in friendship. The rough definition of biblical friendship that we landed on in the last episode: Another level of doing life together. It is the definition of fellowship of believers (breaking bread, gathering, offering wisdom), but added shared experiences, life together, and developed trust. Further Study: The Porch "Show Me Your Friends and I'll Show You Your Futu...
217 - Biblical Friendship (with Grace Spafford and Nate Whisler)
January 10, 2024 09:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBOne of our members asked us to chat about the topic of friendship, which isn't spoken about very often in the Bible. Join us as we try to discern and unpack a biblical definition of friendship. Rough Definition of Biblical Friendship we landed on in the episode (min 22:44): Another level of doing life together. It is the definition of fellowship of believers (breaking bread, gathering, offering wisdom), but added shared experiences, life together, and developed trust. Resources mentioned: ...
216 - City Groups (with Jourdan Fichter)
January 03, 2024 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBAt Providence, we have two main areas where we invest our time—Sundays and mid-week gatherings called City Groups, or families on mission. In this episode, our City Groups (CG) director gives an overview of the vision of CGs and the value of them for those who are in them or those who are considering a group. To get connected with a CG at Providence, click here to visit our website.
216 - City Groups
January 03, 2024 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBAt Providence, we have two main areas where we invest our time—Sundays and mid-week gatherings called City Groups, or families on mission. In this episode, our City Groups (CG) director gives an overview of the vision of CGs and the value of them for those who are in them or those who are considering a group. To get connected with a CG at Providence, click here to visit our website.
215 - Pursuing God in 2024 (with Jourdan Fichter and Madi Schultz)
December 27, 2023 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBIn this episode, we discuss how people in our church are looking toward 2024 and ways that we plan to live all of life with the presence of God this year. Books Mentioned in this Episode Waiting on God by Andrew Murray The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected by Nik Ripken
214 - Why was Incarnation Necessary?
December 20, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBAt Christmas we celebrate the incarnation, or becoming human, of the Son of God. In order for salvation to take place, the eternal Son of God put on flesh and became a man. But why is the incarnation such a pivotal and beautiful part of the Christian faith? Why did it have to take place like this? Was there another way God could save humanity without becoming humanity? We discuss these questions and more on this episode. If you have any questions or need prayer, please email us at formation...
213 - Why a Giving Push? (with Jim Shaffer)
December 13, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBAt the end of every calendar year, most churches have a giving push. Why do they do this and what is the heart behind the giving push? Join us in this episode as we unpack giving together, asking ourselves the questions: Why do we give? What should our heart posture be in giving? What amount should I give? (around 19:50 minutes in) To see the mission and vision of Providence and consider giving to this year's year-end campaign, click here: providenceomaha.org. For general information o...
212 - The Millennium (with Daniel Bidne)
December 06, 2023 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn our last episode, we discussed our hope in regard to the second coming of Christ. But one of the controversial pieces of the second coming is the 1000 year reign of Christ, or the millennium. What is this millennium? What are the beliefs around when it is and what it is? How does that impact Christianity today?
211 - The Second Coming (with Nate Christensen)
November 29, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBThe goal of this episode is to help people realize the beauty, importance, and implications of the second coming of Jesus Christ. Why does it matter if Jesus returns? Why is that such an important hope? And why would that impact my life at all today?
210 - He's Coming Again (2023 Advent)
November 19, 2023 14:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBWe are releasing this week's episode early! We chat through what Advent is and how to help you observe Advent this season at Providence. To access the online copy of Providence's 2023 Advent Guide, click here: https://www.providenceomaha.org/hes-coming-again-2023
209 - Learning from our Past
November 15, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBOur stories are incredibly influential on who we are and how we live today. But how do we deal with them? What’s the problem if we are unaware of pivotal pieces of our past? What happens if we are stuck in them? In this episode, we examine how to best learn from our past and yet not live in the past.
208 - Jesus, Lover of My Soul
November 08, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBWhat is our primary view of Jesus? When we think of him, what comes to our minds? Does the vision of a groom immediately come to mind? Does that love of Jesus for my soul shape my view of Him? In this episode, we examine the love of Jesus from Song of Songs in order to help us see Jesus as the lover of our souls.
207 - When Christians Walk Away from the Faith
November 01, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBThe phrase "deconstructing one's faith" has been floating around recently. The term refers to Christians who rethink their faith and change previously held beliefs, sometimes walking away from the Christian faith all together. In this episode, we discuss how to engage with Christians who are slowly walking away or who decide to walk away from the faith. Join us as we discuss this topic together.
206 - A Personal Take on Halloween (with Brooke Tabor)
October 25, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBThe goal of this episode is for you, Christian, to take your everyday actions and decisions to the Lord in prayer, even if it is something that the people around you are all doing (or aren’t all doing) like Halloween. Join us as we discuss Brooke Tabor's personal experience with Halloween and how God taught her a lesson in humility.
205 - Can Our Prayers Be Selfish?
October 18, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBCan our prayers be selfish and is that a bad thing? Tune in with us to talk about these questions and about a practical example of living out what it means to be a "non-anxious presence."
204 - How to be a Non-Anxious Presence
October 11, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBWe’ve all been there. We get a message about something—a new job opportunity, a hospital that wants us to call back, a loved one who says, “We need to talk”—and our mind fills in the blanks. We imagine the best or worst case scenarios and our minds spin. We watch videos on social media or call our friends to discuss every possible outcome rather than operating in trust and peace that God is in control. Join us as we discuss what it looks like to be a non-anxious presence in a world filled ...
203 - Q&A over Spiritual Formation (with Wendell Nelson)
October 04, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBThis episode seeks to help answer our listeners’ questions over spiritual formation.
202 - Forming Our Souls
September 27, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBWe often hear the word "soul" but have no idea what it means. In this episode, we look at the soul and discuss how our soul impacts our spiritual lives. Resources Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice: Experiments in Spiritual Transformation by Dallas Willard and Jan Johnson Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard Meditation by Jim Downing
201 - Forming Our Relationships
September 20, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBWhy are relationships important when it comes to spiritual formation? Join us for the discussion on how relationships impact the way we are formed spiritually.
200 - Forming Our Bodies
September 13, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBThis episode seeks to help people understand why spiritual formation includes our physical bodies, and how the body affects the soul.
200 - Forming Our Body
September 13, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBThis episode seeks to help people understand why spiritual formation includes our physical bodies, and how the body affects the soul.
199 - Forming Our Wills
September 06, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBThis episode seeks to help people understand the reality of their will and to give practical help in forming it to God’s will.
199 - Forming Our Will
September 06, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBThis episode seeks to help people understand the reality of their will and to give practical help in forming it to God’s will.
198 - Forming Our Feelings
August 30, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBWe feel all sorts of feelings... but are those feelings of God? Join us as we dive into our feelings and how we "feel" about them. In this episode we seek to define what our feelings are and how/why we can form them into Christlikeness.
197 - Forming our Minds
August 23, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBOur minds are formed DAILY... but many of us don't think about it. What we watch, who we hang around, the music we listen to all play a part in who we are and how our minds are shaped. The question is, are we forming our minds the way Christ would want them to be formed? What exactly is shaping our minds? How do we control and form our thoughts? What are practical ways we can allow God to form us more than the world? What is a vision of a Christlike-formed mind? We answer all these questio...
196 - Spiritual / Christian Formation
August 16, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBThe purpose of this podcast is to ‘form’ disciples. But what is spiritual formation? Is it an essential part of the Christian life? Why should I worry about it? The goal of this episode is to persuade people that spiritual formation is the call on every disciple of Jesus’s life. To listen to episode 123 where we reference the book Atomic Habits, click here.
195 - Revelation
July 05, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBEnd times, destruction, and... hope? Join us as we talk about the HOPE the book of Revelation gives us.
194 - Jude
June 28, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBIn this episode, we give an overview of the book of Jude and discuss its lessons for us today.
193 - 2 and 3 John
June 21, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBIn this episode, we discuss 2 and 3 John and the way we are called to examine what teaching we are allowing to influence our minds.
192 - 1 John
June 14, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBHave you ever wondered if someone is a Christian? What makes you wonder that? Is it the way they act? The way they talk? In this episode, we look at 1 John and what it means to walk in the light and live holy lives if we are truly transformed by Christ.
191 - 2 Peter
June 07, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBIn this episode, we discuss the book of second Peter. To listen to Providence's sermon series over 2 Peter, click here.
190 - 1 Peter
May 31, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss 1 Peter and the call to live as exiles as we await Jesus' return.
189 - James
May 24, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBIn today's age, we are looking for wisdom in many different places—online, from parents, maybe even from professors—but what if we decided to look at a specific Living in today's age as a Christian isn't always easy. We know our lives should look different, but in what ways? How are we supposed to be set apart? What does wisdom look as a Christ follower in this modern world? In this episode, we look at how to read James—the Proverbs of the New Testament—and discuss how it points us to liv...
188 - Hebrews
May 17, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBIf all of Hebrews could be summed up into one sentence, it would be this: JESUS IS BETTER than our trials, circumstances, religious figures, and anything else that we'd look to rather than Him. As you read Hebrews, ask yourself, "What spiritual leaders do I look to? What ways do I try and make up for my sin?" Take note how many times the author says “do this so that you don’t fall away.” We don’t want you to be scared of falling away, but we want you to see that those things are the means...
187 - Philemon
May 10, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBForgiveness isn't easy, especially when we have been publicly wronged. In the book of Philemon, we see Paul ask Philemon to forgive Philemon's slave when Philemon has every right to be upset and to exercise punishment. Join us as we discuss what it looks like to forgive and how the book of Philemon challenges us to do so with those who've wronged us.
186 - Titus
May 03, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.1 MBThe book of Titus is another pastoral epistle wherein the apostle Paul teaches Titus how to paster the church in Crete and encourages Titus in his faith. In this episode, we look at the ways Paul taught Titus about church leadership as well as discuss what this book means for those who aren't pastors or preachers. Information discussed in the podcast: Titus teaching a church in Crete (ESV) Island in the mediterranean sea (now an island in Greece) Notorious for violence and sexual immora...