The Walking Closer Podcast

If you think life is too complicated to slow down to walk with Jesus in a life giving pace, then maybe its time to simplify things. This episode is all about simplifying our theology and our living so that we can "remain in Jesus's words and gain first hand experience of the truth as it sets us free."

Are you living from a place of rest? Do you have this internal sense of wellbeing that is not contingent on external circumstances (joy)? As a result, are the actions of your life being performed from a state of rest (peace)? Sabbath is a rhythm that you can adopt that might be helpful, but it may not be what you think it is. Resources Books: Links https://www.soulshepherding.org/?s=sabbathhttps://transformingcenter.org/?s=sabbathhttps://www.practicingtheway.org/sabbath

In our efforts to quiet the mind and calm the internal restlessness, we need to consider our external environments, the external noise and distractions to which we have grown accustomed. In part 2 of "Turning Down the Noise" we talk about the benefits of engaging in times of solitude. We talk about how this can be done in small moments throughout the day or for extended periods of time.

We are so distracted by the outer world because we neglect the inner world. At the same time, the outer world is one big chaotic distraction because our inner worlds are so neglected. In this episode we are going to talk about the benefits of getting comfortable with silence, the reasons we struggle with it, and what we can do about it. Links to articles and further research mentioned: https://theconversation.com/bring-the-noise-has-technology-made-us-scared-of-silence-10988 https://psychcentral.com/blog/our-fear-of-silence#3 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140703142154.htm https://www.rug.nl/staff/n.koudenburg/koudenburgetal.2011.pdf https://commons.emich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://forge.medium.com/being-comfortable-with-silence-is-a-superpower-64b9e0e54925&httpsredir=1&article=1052&context=gabc

In this episode we talk a little about what chronic busyness and the hurried lifestyle is doing to us. We also look at some of the symptoms of "hurried sickness." Reference Links: Book: Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Hurried Sickness Symptoms from “Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” pg. 48-51 Articles Referenced https://www.huffpost.com/entry/signs-of-hurry-sickness-how-to-deal_l_6081d78de4b0dff254039874 https://www.forbes.com/sites/palomacanterogomez/2019/02/01/ten-intelligent-ways-to-combat-your-hurry-sickness/?sh=1cc57228572e https://fortune.com/2015/02/04/busy-hurry-work-stress/ https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/always-in-a-rush-maybe-its-time-urgency https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-time-cure/201302/hurry-sickness https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2014/07/29/fomo-history/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/kittyknowles/2016/03/22/fomo-patrick-mcginnis-book-the-10-entrepreneur-fomo-meme/?sh=8d6a0777f1dc

In this final chapter of "The Divine Conspiracy," Willard talks a little about what might happen after we die in light of apprenticeship to Jesus and what we know about the Kingdom.

In this episode, we are taking a looking at chapter 9 of a book by Dallas Willard called the Divine Conspiracy. This chapter is all about strategical and practical steps in reorienting ourselves around apprenticeship to Jesus.

Do you see a difference between being a Christian & being a Disciple? Should there be a difference? Is Discipleship optional? On this episode we take a look at chapter 8 of the Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard.

The Walking Closer is finally back with another episode as I share with you things I have learned from Dallas Willard's book "The Divine Conspiracy." This episode covers a little of why I have been gone and my gleanings from chapter 7 of "The Divine Conspiracy."

Have you ever looked at the Sermon on the Mt and tried to actually do the things that Jesus mentions? How did it go for you? Have you given up yet? Have they become your natural response yet? In this episode I want to give you a basic summary of what I think is going on in the Sermon on the Mt and why you might need to change the way you see and approach this text.

This episode presents a different perspective on the Beatitudes.

This episode explores some thoughts about God's perspective, our perspectives, compartmentalism, integration, and a few other nuggets here and there. Resources: Jordan Peterson Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rAqVmZwqZM&t=0s

As we look at Chapter 2 of the Divine Conspiracy, we look at how we have turned the gospel into a system of sin management and why that doesn’t work. Episode Resources: https://www.christiantoday.com/article/american.study.reveals.indulgent.lifestyle.christians.no.different/9439.htm https://www.barna.com/research/faith-has-a-limited-effect-on-most-peoples-behavior/ https://www.barna.com/research/christians-relational-health/ https://www.barna.com/research/resilient-discipleship/ https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/february/ravi-zacharias-rzim-investigation-sexual-abuse-sexting-rape.html www.netgrace.org https://www.christiancentury.org/article/2013-10/evangelicals-worse-catholics-sexual-abuse

What did Jesus mean by "the kingdom of heaven" and what does this have to do with us?

Just a few thoughts on why Jesus was so significant and how we reflect that today.

The things we consume play a major role in determining who we are becoming. How's That Working for us? The typical ways we try to enact change in our societies only leads to more laws and not true change in character? How's That Working for us? The typical ways we present Jesus and his teachings seems to only lead to more division, laws, dogmas, etc., but no true change in the heart? How's That Working for us? Additional Resources: Tristan Harris TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C74amJRp730&t=32s Former male porn star interview: https://youtu.be/Hx-p9Wr6xg0 Divine Conspiracy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ7tmLfYg7S8MPo-b73Q_-g3HYNMqLZ2Q

So much of how we respond to life is simply based on our perceived reality. Jesus gave us principles that when applied help us to come to "know the truth" of a reality that transcends perspectives. These principles prove to be relevant and practical for us today.

In this episode we talk about Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy, and seeing Jesus as practical and relevant. Walking Closer Youtube Channel

In this episode, I explain a little more about my story and why I have the approach I have with Walking Closer.

For the first episode of 2021, I give an update on a new adventure with the podcast, I revisit the reasons behind this podcast, and tell you a little bit more about my own story. Walking Closer YouTube Channel