POD 039 | Leadership And Faith: Insights From Jeanette Thomas’s Life And Career TheFormed.life podcast

8:04

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TFL BLOG | God’s Refreshing Gift of Rest 11:20

15 days ago11:20

11:20

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TFL BLOG | Traditions 8:25

29 days ago8:25

8:25

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TFL BLOG | Celebrating God’s Deliverance: The Feast of Trumpets 6:25

5 weeks ago6:25

6:25

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TFL BLOG | Pentecost and Feast of Weeks 8:13

7 weeks ago8:13

8:13

READ the written blog on our website: https://theformed.life/

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POD 050 | God's Presence and the Power of Exodus in Our Everyday Lives – Dr. Richard E. Averbeck 38:33

9 weeks ago38:33

38:33

Welcome to theFormed.life podcast! Today, with Dr. Richard Averbeck, Old Testament expert from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, we're exploring the richness of the Exodus. Join hosts Paul Brandes, Bill Gorman, and Jonathan Neef as we discuss its enduring themes of deliverance, God's faithfulness, presence, the law at Sinai, God's name, and Pharaoh's hardened heart, and how this pivotal story informs our spiritual lives today. Bio: Dr. Richard E. Averbeck is a distinguished scholar in Old Testament and Semitic Languages. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and has also served as a Senior Research Professor at TEDS. Additionally, he has been a visiting professor at Odesa Theological Seminary in Ukraine and previously taught at Dallas Theological Seminary. His academic focus includes the Pentateuch, ancient Near Eastern history and languages, Old Testament criticism, Hebrew, and biblical counseling. He is a respected author and speaker, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Old Testament and its relevance for today. Quotes: God's faithfulness to His people, demonstrated by His covenant with Abraham in Genesis, continues in Exodus as that family becomes a nation. He heard their groaning because of His commitment to the covenant He made. - Dr. Richard E. Averbeck 3 Main Takeaways: God’s Faithfulness and Presence are Central to Exodus The conversation highlighted that a driving theme of Exodus is God’s unwavering faithfulness to His people, even when they falter. Dr. Averbeck emphasized that God remains committed to His covenant and is continually present with His people, a truth powerfully illustrated in the story of Moses and the burning bush (“I will be with you”/the significance of God’s name). This theme of God’s abiding presence is foundational—not just for understanding Exodus, but for grasping the entire biblical story, including its fulfillment in Jesus as “God with us.” The Structure of the Law: Grace First, Guidance Follows Dr. Averbeck pointed out that God rescues Israel from slavery before giving them the law—deliverance precedes instruction. The law is not a path to earning God’s favor, but guidance for living as redeemed people. This pattern closely mirrors the gospel dynamic: salvation by grace leads to a life shaped by God’s guidance, not the other way around. The conversation also touched on how the law, including its focus on justice (like debt slavery), reveals God’s character and heart for His people. Exodus Shapes Identity, Worship, and the Story of Redemption The hosts and Dr. Averbeck discussed how the story of Exodus isn’t just an ancient tale—it’s a paradigm for understanding God’s work in the world and in individual lives. Themes of deliverance, identity as God’s people, and worship (including the tabernacle as God’s ongoing presence) profoundly shape both Israel’s self-understanding and that of Christians today. The Exodus sets the trajectory for the entire Bible, echoed in Jesus’ mission and continued in Christian worship and life today. Resources: The Ten Commandments (Film) - Cecil B. DeMille The Prince of Egypt (Film) - DreamWorks Exodus: Gods and Kings (Film) - Ridley Scott Chosen (TV series) Exodus (JPS Torah Commentary) - Nahum Sarna: https://a.co/d/eqNXoLg A Commentary on the Book of Exodus - Umberto Cassuto: https://a.co/d/a2vZlyx The Old Testament Law for the Life of the Church: Reading the Torah in the Light of Christ - Dr. Richard Averbeck: https://a.co/d/7xYFt2k Timestamps: 00:00 Exodus in Popular Media 05:16 God's Faithfulness Throughout Genesis-Exodus 09:01 "Moses' Reluctance and Divine Assurance" 11:18 Balancing Academics and Spiritual Growth 16:01 Messiah's Presence in Scripture 19:26 Divine Guidance and Presence 20:44 Exodus: Tabernacle and Deliverance 24:09 God's Ownership of His People 30:09 Divine Purpose in Pharaoh's Heart 33:42 Recommended Study Bibles 36:41 "God With Us: Scripture's Promise" 38:01 "Form Life Podcast Resources" Hashtags #ExodusStory #GodsFaithfulness #SpiritualFormation #BiblicalIdentity #DivinePresence #OldTestamentLaw #CovenantPeople #GraceAndRedemption #DrAverbeck #theFormedLifePodcast…

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TFL BLOG | Seeking the Prosperity of the City 6:18

10 weeks ago6:18

6:18

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TFL BLOG | Carosello, Little Wars and the Gospel in My Art Studio 8:24

11 weeks ago8:24

8:24

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Ongoing Legacy Gathering | April 8th, 2025 1:24:50

11 weeks ago1:24:50

1:24:50

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POD 049 | Following Jesus Through Middle School – This Time Tomorrow 29:51

11 weeks ago29:51

29:51

Introduction: Welcome to another episode of theFormed.life podcast! In today’s conversation, host Paul Brandes is joined by Brent, student pastor at the Leawood campus, and Anna, a thoughtful seventh grader from Christ Lutheran School in Kansas City. Together, they explore what it’s really like to live as a middle school student in 2024 while following Jesus. Anna shares candidly about her daily school life, the joys and challenges of adjusting to a new and smaller environment, and the significance of forming deeper connections with classmates. The conversation dives deep into the realities students face: discovering belonging, navigating brokenness in relationships, and how faith can transform even the most ordinary moments—yes, even homework and lunch tables—into opportunities for growth and praise. With insights from Brent on what today’s students are craving most, and encouragement from Anna on finding purpose by keeping God at the center of daily routines, this episode invites listeners to recognize the redemptive possibilities hidden in the rhythms of school life. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone curious about the role faith can play in our formative years, you’ll find hope and inspiration in this honest and hope-filled discussion. Bio Anna is a thoughtful and curious student who found her seventh grade religion classes especially engaging and relatable. While studying books like Lee Strobel’s The Case for Faith and preparing to read The Case for Christ, Anna has developed a strong interest in exploring deep questions about faith—questions such as why God allows suffering and why church history can be troubled. Through reading and classroom discussions, Anna gained new insights and enjoys pausing to talk through challenging ideas with classmates, eager to find meaningful answers and understanding. Quotes You don't have all the answers. You don't have to know what that looks like every single day. That's part of the process of growing up. And secondly, remembering the fact that Jesus knows what it means to grow up. He was a middle schooler at some point. He was a high schooler. He knows the tensions of what it is to have to go and learn and also work and discover the beauty of how God has wired you. He cares deeply about you. He knows what it's like to grow up. - Brent Bovitz 3 Main Takeaways School as Meaningful Work with God’s Purpose The conversation explores how students can view their daily school life, not just as a repetitive routine of homework and classes, but as significant work where they can honor God—even in the “boring times.” Anna shares how keeping God in mind transforms her perspective, motivating her to praise Him through the everyday, echoing the message from 1 Corinthians 15:58 that her work “in the Lord is not in vain.” Relationships and Belonging are Central in the School Experience Both Anna and Brent discuss the importance of relationships among students. With a small class size, Anna finds joy and support in her classmates, but also notes the challenges of belonging and exclusion—especially for new students. Their reflections highlight that while school can be a place of brokenness (like cliques or feeling left out), it also offers the chance to extend kindness and create a culture of inclusion, especially by involving younger students during recess. Redemption in Everyday Interactions and Formation Through Service A significant focus is on “redemption”—how students like Anna actively seek to bring about positive change. She shares practical ways she tries to include others and support younger grades, inspired by Jesus’ example and teachings. The hosts emphasize that these small acts of kindness and presence carry lifelong impact, helping form both Anna’s character and the broader school culture for future generations. The power of noticing God’s opportunities and serving others—even as a seventh grader—is celebrated as a hopeful and transformative force. Resources The Case for Faith - Lee Strobel: https://a.co/d/2flhXzD The Case for Christ - Lee Strobel: https://a.co/d/3j97uEJ Timestamps: 00:00 School Life with God's Purpose 04:12 "School as Work: A Student's Perspective" 08:44 Seventh & Eighth Grade Religion Studies 11:15 Navigating School Transitions and Exclusion 13:59 "Striving for Belonging Together" 16:17 Encouraging Young Kids' Belonging 19:32 Encouragement for Young Christians 25:11 Prayer for Anna's New School Journey 25:57 "Alternate Life Paths Question" 29:20 Podcast Appreciation and Episode Reference Hashtags #StudentFaith #VocationAndCalling #ChristianEducation #MiddleSchoolLife #RedemptionStory #BelongingAndCommunity #ClassicalSchooling #SpiritualEncouragement #YouthMinistry #theFormedLifePodcast…

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TFL BLOG | Live It Like It’s True 5:23

12 weeks ago5:23

5:23

1
TFL BLOG | Living Water 6:05

13 weeks ago6:05

6:05

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POD 048 | Exploring Virtue, Vice, and Spiritual Growth with Dr. Rebecca DeYoung 50:08

13 weeks ago50:08

50:08

On this episode of theFormed.life Podcast, hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman are joined by Dr. Rebecca DeYoung, a professor of philosophy and renowned author, to dive deep into the ancient world of virtues and vices—and why they’re still wildly relevant for us today. Together, they explore how concepts like pride, envy, gluttony, and vainglory aren’t just relics of the past, but powerful forces that shape our character, relationships, and spiritual growth in the present. Dr. DeYoung shares her own journey into the study of ethics and virtue theory, reflecting on how naming and understanding our “capital vices” can be the first step toward true transformation. The conversation highlights practical ways we can identify unhealthy patterns, intentionally pursue Christlike virtues, and invite God’s grace into our everyday lives. Whether you’re striving to break free from destructive habits or hoping to cultivate more humility, courage, or love, this conversation will challenge and encourage you with timeless wisdom and actionable insights for your faith journey. Bio: Rebecca DeYoung is a Professor of Philosophy at Calvin University, where she has taught for over two decades. Her research focuses on virtue ethics, the seven deadly sins, and spiritual formation, blending philosophical insight with Christian theological traditions. She is the author of several books, including Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies, which explores the relevance of ancient moral traditions for modern life. A sought-after speaker and writer, DeYoung contributes to various academic and spiritual formation communities, including Renovaré and the C.S. Lewis Institute. Her work is marked by a deep commitment to integrating intellectual rigor with spiritual growth. Quotes: The idea with spiritual disciplines is that you're intentionally engaging in practices of open handedness to the Spirit's transforming work. - Rebecca DeYoung 3 Main Takeaways: 1. Vices Aren’t Just Isolated Failures Dr. DeYoung highlights that vices become dangerous when they form persistent “grooves” in our lives—habits or patterns that shape who we’re becoming, rather than just one-off mistakes. 2. True Growth Is About Spiritual Discipline, Not Just Self-Improvement The path to overcoming vices isn’t about “bootstrapping” or self-powered virtue. Instead, it’s about practicing spiritual disciplines—open-handed, receptive practices that invite the Holy Spirit’s transforming work. 3. Virtues Lead Us Into Deeper Communion The ultimate goal isn’t just personal perfection, but being drawn into deeper relationship and communion—with God and others. Cultivating virtues isn’t about earning love, but responding to the unconditional love we have already received. Resources : - Renovaré (spiritual formation resources) - Conversatio.org (the fellowship of the Dallas Willard legacy) Timestamps: 00:00 Descent from Virtue to Philosophy 04:07 Discovering 'Pusillanimity': Medieval Imposter Syndrome 07:15 "Protestant Views on Deadly Sins" 11:35 "Embrace Spiritual Disciplines" 15:37 "Self-Worth Through Habitual Lifestyles" 18:06 Exploring Vainglory and Other Vices 21:29 Confronting Sloth in Daily Life 25:05 Publicity Challenges Vulnerability and Growth 29:10 Money Management Anxiety 30:25 Overcoming Excessive Attachment 36:20 Gratitude as a Christian Virtue 37:31 Slow Living and Inner Peace 41:00 Vices of Self-Regard 44:20 Scarcity Mindset and Envy 48:31 Books, Skills, and Glacier Hikes Hashtags: #VirtuesAndVices #SpiritualFormation #Sanctification #ChristlikeCharacter #GlitteringVices #Vainglory #SpiritualDisciplines #ChristianVirtue #RebeccaDeYoung #theFormedLifePodcast Keywords: Virtue, vice, seven deadly sins, capital vices, sanctification, spiritual growth, spiritual disciplines, character formation, pride, envy, sloth, vainglory, humility, courage, love, gratitude, wisdom, justice, temperance, greed, gluttony, self-help, spiritual formation, grace, Protestant theology, transformation, Christian ethics, Aquinas, church tradition, spiritual healing…

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TFL BLOG | An Excerpt from Why Your Work Matters by Tom Nelson 7:50

14 weeks ago7:50

7:50

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POD 047 | How Beholding Beauty Transforms Our Faith and Communities 46:27

15 weeks ago46:27