Digging Deeper Podcast - Perimeter Church

What is sanctification? In this episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington sit down with pastor and author, Dane Ortlund, to discuss questions around the big word "sanctification" and how we can understand it and apply it to our everyday faith. Many of us approach sanctification from a misconception of "How do I change myself?" instead of "How does God change me?" Be encouraged as you listen to how sanctification makes you more into the person God created you to be. Questions Covered in This Episode: What are some of the greatest misconceptions about sanctification? Where do faith and sanctification intersect? How about grace and sanctification? Doesn’t God love us just the way we are? Are there ways the church is missing the mark in over-emphasizing or under-emphasizing sanctification?

In this episode, Jeff Norris talks with Jen Wilkin, Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas, and author of "Ten Words to Live By", and "Women of the Word." They discuss biblical literacy in today's church and what's at stake when believers don't know the scriptures. Jen shares how we can develop rhythms and habits to become a student of the Word. Questions Covered in This Episode: How did Jen become impassioned about Bible literacy? Have you seen a decrease in biblical literacy in today’s church? What is the real loss when believers don’t know the scriptures? What’s at stake? How do we read the Bible without a hyper individualistic mindset? For someone who admits they don’t know the bible as well as they need to, where might they begin? What rhythms and habits must one adopt to become a student of the Word?

There's an incongruence in the title of this series: by separating our faith from everything else in life, it ceases to be true, biblical faith. The very essence of faith affects every aspect of our lives. In this episode, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington talk with Collin Hansen, vice president for content and editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition, and executive director of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. They discuss what faith looks like in today's culture, how to reach the next generation who may be disillusioned with the idea of faith, and how media plays a role in our faith, for better or worse. Questions Covered in This Episode: What does faith look like in today’s culture? Describe this cultural moment. How do we reach the next generation who may feel disillusioned with “faith?" What role does media play in our faith, for better or worse?

In part two of their conversation, the Feldhahns and Jeff Norris explore the heart-level questions of men and women and how God's design is revealed even in the Garden of Eden. Watch the video version on the Perimeter Church YouTube channel.

In this episode, we talk about what to do when you and your spouse feel disconnected in conflict, the common mistakes couples make when trying to love each other, and how to better show appreciation and love in everyday life. Jeff and Shaunti Feldhahn have been long-time members of Perimeter and have devoted many years to traveling the country speaking on the topic of marriage and their research on the simple things that cause marriages to fall apart. Related Resources: Learn more about Jeff and Shaunti's books and resources at shaunti.com

Jeff Norris talks with pastor and author Scott Sauls about how the Church can respond to cultural questions around sexuality with compassion and conviction. Related Resources: Matthew 23, Luke 15:11-23, Mark 10:17-27 Book: "Beautiful People Don't Just Happen" by Scott Sauls View books mentioned in the By Design sermon series at bookstore.perimeter.org Watch the sermons from the By Design teaching series at perimeter.org/sermons

Jeff Norris and Nancy Pearcey continue their conversation on sexuality, discussing how Christians can approach sensitive topics with both love and faithfulness to Scripture. We hope listening to this series encourages you as we look at God’s design, the culture’s design and the Church’s response. Related Resources: Book: "Love Thy Body" by Nancy Pearcey Book: "Total Truth" by Nancy Pearcey Watch the sermons from the By Design series at perimeter.org/sermons

Jeff Norris talks with author Nancy Pearcey about God's design for sexuality and how believers can engage culture with biblical truth and grace. We hope listening to this series encourages you as we look at God’s design, the culture’s design and the Church’s response. Related Resources: Book: "Love Thy Body" by Nancy Pearcey Book: "Total Truth" by Nancy Pearcey Watch the sermons from the By Design series at perimeter.org/sermons

Jeff Norris and theologian Dr. Michael Reeves dive into the significance of the incarnation—what it means that God became man and why it should shape how we live as believers. Quotes: “If you had a view of God that doesn't look like Jesus, that view of God was wrong.” — Michael Reeves “The glory of this God is like a radiant, outshining light.” — Jeff Norris “We can't think about the incarnation and look back without also thinking forward to the coming of Christ again.” — Jeff Norris Related Resources: Books: "Delighting in the Trinity" and "Rejoicing in Christ" by Michael Reeves Watch our 2021 Advent sermon series, God With Us, at perimeter.org/sermons

In this Advent special, Jeff Norris and Dr. Bryan Chapell explore the incarnation—why Jesus came to us as a baby and what that reveals about God's intimate love. May this Advent season stir your heart with awe and affection for Christ, who came near. Quotes: “The uniqueness (of Christianity) is that every other religion says that, either by your performance or some state of consciousness, you have to work your way up to God. But Christianity is the only religion that says no, God actually came down to you. We don't lift the ladder up, God lowered the ladder down.” — Bryan Chapell “Sometimes it's good to ask God: ‘God, arouse my affections. Stir within me the joy of the reality of the incarnation.’” — Jeff Norris "He must fully be God in order to save us. He must fully be human in order to love us." — Bryan Chapell Related Resources: Philippians 1, Colossians 1, Hebrews 1 Book and Course: "Christ-centered Preaching" by Bryan Chapell Watch our 2021 Advent sermon series, God With Us, at perimeter.org/sermons

Why is it beneficial to worship together? In this episode, Jeff Norris, Caleb Click, and Laura Story Elvington reflect on the Church’s regathering after the pandemic and the importance of weekly corporate worship. He unpacks why gathering as God's people is not just a tradition—but a vital expression of our faith.

Jeff Norris, Caleb Click, and Bob Cargo wrap up their study of Exodus, focusing on chapters 16–20 and the Ten Commandments. They explore how God's law, viewed through the lens of grace, reveals the heart of a loving Father who desires our flourishing. Quotes: “I have just sensed the Lord asking me many times over in my preparation to teach through this, ‘Jeff, do you love me? Because if you do, it's gonna be evident.’” — Jeff Norris “The law doesn't create the relationship. The law is given to govern it.” — Caleb Click “The law helps me understand what a flourishing life in Christ looks like because it shows me the heart of God.” — Jeff Norris Related Resources: Listen to the Exodus sermon series (part two, 2021) at perimeter.org/sermons Book: "The Whole Christ" by Sinclair Ferguson

Life is filled with wilderness seasons, but in the midst of them, Jesus not only saves—He nourishes. Jeff Norris, Caleb Click, and Bob Cargo dig into Exodus 16–17, exploring how the wilderness theme runs throughout Scripture—not just for the Israelites, but for us. They discuss the biblical understanding of wilderness as a metaphor for life’s struggles, the role of suffering in spiritual growth, and the importance of faith during challenging times. While life may feel like a wilderness, it is also a journey towards redemption and hope through Christ. Listen to the Exodus sermon series (part two, 2021) at perimeter.org/sermons. Quotes: "The book of Exodus is just this beautiful microcosm of the greater story of redemption that God is telling for the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation." — Jeff Norris "The wilderness is the place where we discover the full depth of our weakness, but also the sufficiency of God and His supply in Jesus Christ." — Caleb Click "It makes me think of the promises of the 23rd Psalm, that our Shepherd is going to be with us through all these things. The 23rd Psalm does not paint the picture of rosy circumstances all the time. The sheep have to be led to the quiet waters and the green pastures, and they still go through the valley of the shadow of death. But our shepherd is with us, and that's the comfort." — Bob Cargo "Sometimes suffering has to come so that we would become people who actually desire heaven and trust the Lord in the midst of those trying times." — Caleb Click

Jeff Norris and Caleb Click continue their conversation with Travis Vaughn, executive director of Metro Atlanta Collective, and Jimmy Agan, senior pastor of Intown Community Church, diving deeper into what Scripture reveals about the new heavens and new earth—a future where we will see Jesus face to face. They discuss the nature of resurrected bodies, the continuity of work and culture, and the expansive vision of God's redemptive plan. This episode invites listeners to imagine the future reality promised in scripture and its impact on our present lives and evangelism. Quotes: "What if part of eternity in the new heavens and earth is exploring all of the universe, not just earth? We have eternity, right?" — Jeff Norris "Our work's going to continue, but it's going to be renewed. It's going to be without sin." — Travis Vaughn "All those 'notes' are going to like each other because Jesus serves as the tuning fork that brings together the symphony of God's redemptive work." — Caleb Click Related Resources: Listen to the "Heaven" sermon series at perimeter.org/sermons Book: "Far As the Curse is Found" by Michael Williams Book: "The Bible and the Future" by Anthony Hoekema Book: "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Michael Whitmer

Jesus has gone before us, and we live in anticipation of all things made new. In this continuing discussion about heaven, Jeff Norris and Caleb Click are joined by Travis Vaughn, executive director of Metro Atlanta Collective, and Jimmy Agan, senior pastor of Intown Community Church. They delve into the theological implications of renewal versus replacement, the continuity of creation, and the ultimate hope found in Christ. This discussion challenges common misconceptions and encourages listeners to deepen their understanding of eternal life and the glory of God. Quotes: "If we want to see our future, we see it already in what Jesus has experienced on the third day." — Jimmy Agan "God's intention doesn't change from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22." — Caleb Click "How does thinking of heaven quicken my heart? How does this engage my imagination and stir affection and longing for the reality of what's to come?" — Jeff Norris Related Resources: Listen to the "Heaven" sermon series at perimeter.org/sermons Book: "Far As The Curse Is Found" by Michael D. Williams Book: "The Bible and the Future" by Anthony Hoekema

Join us in this episode of Digging Deeper as we explore profound questions about heaven, the afterlife, and the mysteries of Sheol. Hosted by Jeff Norris, with insights from Caleb Click and Eric Ryan, we delve into theological perspectives, scriptural interpretations, and personal reflections. Whether you're curious about the intermediate state or the ultimate hope of heaven, this discussion offers thoughtful insights and encourages deeper understanding. Ultimately, heaven is not just a place but the presence of Jesus. Quotes: "Heaven isn't so much about a place where our longings are satisfied, but it's primarily about a person in whom all of our longings are satisfied." — Jeff Norris "Contemplation, understanding, and enjoyment of God make up the essence of our future blessedness." — Caleb Click "The gospel gets us to God, not a place." — Eric Ryan Related Resources: Listen to the "Heaven" sermon series at perimeter.org/sermons Book: "He Descended to the Dead" by Matthew Emerson Book: "The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story" by Michael Goheen and Craig Bartholomew

The Word of God is bigger than we can fathom and the meaning behind scripture can be a mystery. But in the unfolding nature of His Word, we can rest and find joy in knowing there is a lifetime of walking with Him where we can begin to understand Him more and more. In this episode hosted by Eric Ryan, with insights from Jimmy Kim, Tony Thomas, and Ryan Brown, we delve into the "Chasing Truth" series, discussing the intersection of God's glory and our joy, the significance of the cross, and the transformative power of scripture. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that encourages deeper reflection and spiritual growth. Related Resources: Watch or listen to the Chasing Truth sermon series at perimeter.org/sermons Book: "Desiring God" by John Piper Book: "Unfolding Mystery" by Ed Clowney

What does it mean to surrender our rights for the sake of the gospel and unity? Jeff Norris, Jimmy Kim, and Caleb Click reflect on the surprising ways God advanced His kingdom through the early Church. Quotes: "God—in the way that He's writing the story of the Church and the story of our lives—He's going to often lead us down paths that we wouldn't have anticipated. He's going to lead us into suffering that we would not have chosen, or that we would have said, 'Yeah, that's how I would want this to go or see it going,' and He’s going to call us to things that are hard." — Jeff Norris "Every now and then I'll be thinking first about my neighbor or thinking first about what really pleases the Lord in (a) situation. But what does it look like if that becomes the norm? That's not the uncommon reality—it's the common reality for me and for every believer. When Jesus said, if you want to be first, you must first be last. He meant that. That was directive. That is how the kingdom of God operates." — Jeff Norris "Living a Spirit-led, Spirit-filled life is no doubt going to take you down paths that you wouldn't have chosen. But in doing so, a Spirit-led, Spirit-filled life is going to lead you into God's saturated realities that you would have otherwise missed. " — Jeff Norris

Jeff Norris, Caleb Click, and Bob Cargo explore how beholding Christ’s glory transforms us. When we embrace who He truly is, we are led into joyful worship and spiritual growth.

Jeff Norris and Eric Ryan discuss how to live out Titus 3 in today’s cultural moment. They reflect on themes from the "Salt and Light" series and how grace shapes the way we engage the world around us.

God's mercy meets human misery. Jeff Norris and the team discuss how Exodus reveals God’s heart for the broken and enslaved. He is not repelled by need, but moved to action. In this episode, the team also gives guidance on how to approach studying the Old Testament on your own.

The teaching team explores how the gospel is woven throughout Exodus. Jeff Norris, Caleb Click, and Bob Cargo reflect on how the story of the Redeemer in Exodus points to Jesus and challenges us to connect deeply with Old Testament truths.

Jeff Norris, Caleb Click, and Bob Cargo preview the Exodus sermon series. They consider the Israelites' experience of slavery, God’s faithfulness to His promises, and His desire to be known as the Redeemer of all nations.

Senior Pastor Jeff Norris, Caleb Click, and Bob Cargo reflect on the key themes of the nine-week "Imago Dei" sermon series and how it has shaped their understanding of God and humanity.

Senior Pastor Jeff Norris, Bob Cargo, and Caleb Click continue the "Imago Dei" series, discussing how the fall affected our identity as image-bearers of God. They connect this theological foundation to the Great Commission in Matthew 28 and its implications for our relationships with God, others, ourselves, and creation.

Senior Pastor Jeff Norris joins Perimeter teaching team members Bob Cargo and Caleb Click to preview the "Imago Dei" sermon series. They explore how the biblical truth that all humans bear God's image calls the Church to pursue the flourishing of every person and all creation.