Jimmy’s Table Podcast

Why do bad things happen to good people? How can we explain suffering? What about when we can't explain the reasons for our suffering? In today's podcast, I attempt to wrestle with some of the hardest questions in life regarding the dark times we face...

Fears about coronavirus, plunges in the stock market, and political turmoil make the world feel a bit apocalyptic. In today's podcast, I examine Revelation 18, and how we ought to live as an apocalyptic people...

Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover is a popular self-help program for getting out of debt and becoming wealthy. Biblically and financially, however, it has some flaws. In today's podcast, I critique some areas where I feel Dave Ramsey gets it wrong...

What is art? Art is the "unique flavor" that we bring to this world that helps free people from the cages they live in. In today's podcast, I talk to musician John Howey about the nature of art, its place in our culture, and in the church.

I realized after I published my most recent podcast this week that Valentine's Day was coming up, and I missed a great opportunity to put together a little something on the the issue of love and marriage. So, at the suggestion of my wife Meagan, I have decided to publish an extra "bonus episode" this week with my podcast. The following are 3 simple keys to a better marriage. Be sure to listen to the podcast for my full take on these things. I've also mixed in some Princess Bride references. In case you never saw this movie classic, here's a video for some humorous context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3odMTPuzLwY Change Your Perspective We need a re-orientation in our perspective on marriage. Some of you act like marriage isn't much different than simply have a roomate. In marriage we become, according to the Bible, "one flesh." So if we are one flesh, let's act like it. While we have not lost our individuality in a marriage, I am my own person and so is my wife, in marriage I have surrendered my life to my wife and vice versa. Everything I do should be done in consideration of my spouse. Career choices, ministry choices, financial choices, and even what I do with my spare time should be done in consideration how it impacts my wife. Whatever it takes, get on the same page with one another spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, and in all other arenas in your life. Build consensus, like in a partnership. And whatever you decide to do, don't do it in an, "ugh, I gotta do this..." begrudging sorta manner. Rather, rejoice in the opportunity of what you "get to do" with your spouse and on their behalf. On some days this may be easier than others, but it is an attitude we should ultimately take on. Be Life-Long Newlyweds When I was in college, and old pastor friend of mine told me that whatever I did when I became married one day, make sure to always pursue my wife and never stop dating her. It's easy for marriage to get on auto-pilot, and to simply coast. The everyday comings and goings of life threaten to put the flame in your marriage out. Jobs, kids, medical issues, finances, and other such things will interrupt the flow of everything. But, whatever happens, don't let these things get between you and your wife. You made a choice to marry your spouse. Such wasn't merely a one time decision. It's a life long decision that you get to repeat every moment of every day. Be intentional about your marriage. Don't let a day pass where you don't kiss your spouse. Make it a point to go on dates as frequently as you can--- whatever that date looks like, even if it's just the choice to run errands together. Do special things for each other, like pick-up flowers, make a special meal, etc.. And while things may never be as exciting as when you first got married, things can still be quite fresh and exciting, just like when you first got married. Walk In Forgiveness You are going to do things that upset each other. You might even manage to do this multiple times in one day. Whatever the case, make it a choice to forgive one another. And do that daily. Refuse to mull over and replay arguments in your head. Don't speak harshly to them. Rather, realize we are all a work in progress, and personality hiccups and flaws may take years to iron out. Be patient, gentle, and treat one another with kindness. Deliberately praise your spouse and tell them and others about how awesome they are. Don't backbite and gossip about your spouse and put them down, either to their face or to friends, family, and coworkers. Your spouse shouldn't find out what's wrong with them from the lips of someone else. Sing their praises instead, and let that get back to them. Related Podcasts Marriage Is Stupidly Easy – Episode #2Our Story: God Blessed The Broken Road – Episode #20 The Celebration Of Singleness Over Marriage- Episode #21

"Power" is about the ability to exercise your will over others without restraint. Sometimes this is through brute force, but other times, it comes by climbing certain social hierarchies, whether it be in academics, business, politics, or religion. I believe Jesus has called us to flip our power dynamics upside down...

Over the years I've been quite the argumentative type. While this was once a badge of honor to me, the longer I live the more I've begun to see this isn't a positive quality to have. Today's podcast is dedicated to better learning the art of discussion, and preventing heated arguments.

Bill Fehr's career as a professional bike messenger is nothing short of unconventional. After a cosmic experience moved his soul, Bill left his career in corporate America, and took a path less traveled. In today's podcast, I interview Bill to talk about his unusual journey...

How do faith and politics intersect? What relationship should exist between church and state? To what degree do they go together, or should they be entirely separate? Is Jesus a Republican or Democrat? Should churches and pastors be outwardly political?

Does God still speak today? And if so, how? In today's podcast, I look at several ways that I believe that God still speaks to us today.

After watching The Rise Of Skywalker, I have searched my feelings and know it to be true: Disney's Star Wars trilogy is better than George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy...

It's become hip in American Christianity to enshrine doubt over dogma. Many are deconstructing their faith, and consider themsleves #Exvangelical. I believe as the church we need to take a different approach, and allow for a generous curiosity, as people journey on their faith in Jesus.

A spirit of discontent often causes us to seek out "greener pastures" on the other side of the fence. This is really common at New Years. In my latest podcast, I look at Psalm 23, and show how the Lord helps us navigate all the comings and goings of life.

Hope isn't always a good thing. Hope can drive a man insane and make his heart sick. In today's podcast, I explore both the good and bad sides of hope, and explore where our deepest of hopes needs to ultimatley be found.

"Jesus is the reason for the season," and we do need to put "Christ back into Christmas." But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be materialistic at Christmas. In today's podcast, I look at why I believe Christmas needs to be a materialistic holiday...

"Cancel culture" isn't just a pop culture phenomenon in America, but is something that has existed in the church for a long time. In today's podcast, I look at cancel culture in the context of pastoral ministry, and how we must look to make whole again, those who have been removed from ministry.

Should you celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving? On today's show, Corey Forsyth comes on to defend the practice of celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving...

This past week, at the ripe old age of 37, I had a brush with death as the result of a pulmonary embolism (blood clot) being formed in my lungs. In today's podcast, I talk about how this suddenly happened, how I sought emergency medical treatment, and how I wrestled with my own mortality. I also share about how my faith in Jesus Christ brought comfort to me in the situation.

Should you start celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving? In today's podcast, I provide 9 reasons I HATE Christmas festivities prior to Thanksgiving.

For much of our history, Christianity has been often been a one man show. There has always been a Pope type figure reigning supreme, and calling all the shots. Today's podcast envisions a church without any Popes.

As Christians, we love anytime Christians become celebrities or celebrities become Christians. Kayne West's recent conversion is a lesson in this. Today's podcast explores the dangers associated with our Christian celebrity culture, and the alternative culture I believe we need to cultivate.

Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren may dream of a time in which Jimmy Hoffa is resurrected from the dead. But are things really as bad as they say? Do we really need to overhaul our current system and replace it with a Democtractic Socialist utopia?

The Amber Guyger murder trial of Botham Jean is a powerful reminder that justice AND mercy are not opposing concepts, but are rooted in the nature of God, and an expression of the cross of Jesus Christ.

‪I grew up a shy and sheltered homeschooler. I was afraid of a lot of things in my life. Those fears crippled me. But as I grew, I would eventually overcome my fears through faith, hope, and love. ‬Today’s podcast is all about embracing and overcoming fear.

I recently broke my leg while doing some high school youth ministry. Such has taught me a few painful life lessons that I would like to share with you...

A look at what it means to be "politically homeless" as a Christian, with no loyalty to Republicans, Democrats, orLibertarian political parties in America.

Jesus said "Let him who has ears, let him hear!" In an age where social media dominates and we thrive off clickbait, I believe we need to learn to hear. We must move beyond clickbait headlines that sizzle, and seek out opportunities for hearing what someone else has to say.

A Canadian Christian sits down with an American Christian to talk about our cultural blindspots. We talk about the culture wars: nationalism, abortion, homosexuality/gay marriage, immigration, guns, and the role of the Church in politics.

No matter how big or how small, every church has two churches within her. There is an odd disconnect between the platform and the pew, and it's been this way for centuries, inspite of all our different church models. Today's podcast is all about asking some tough questions and starting a conversation. How can we bridge this gap? How can we become one church?

As followers of Jesus, I believe we are called to a non-violent way of life. We should have a different relationship to guns and war, as we live out a prophetic witness to our generation.

Instead of looking down at singles and those delaying marriage, I believe we as the Church need to not only celebrate singleness, but we should promote it and encourage singleness. Instead of treating singles as defective lepers who have something wrong with them, we need to teach that singleness is an amazing gift that should be embraced.

My wife and I were previously engaged to multiple other people, before we ever met. Our love story is one of broken roads, which God ultimately redeemed, to help us find one another.

Should the church "focus on the family" when it comes to her life and ministry? In today's podcast, I call this into question, and why our idolatry of the family unit is a threat to the gospel and the church.

Josh Harris recently abandoning his faith after being a celebrity in Evangelical Christianity has created a major stir. I cannot help but wonder if it is not part of a major trend, and a symptom of a much deeper issue. Is our Evangelical house of faith built on a rock, or shifting sand?

There is nothing like "nostalgia" to help remind us of a world that never existed. The good old days may have been great, but they were not as great as we remember...

I'm not an "open borders" guy when it comes to U.S. Immigration (although our founding fathers were!) but I do believe we should greatly relax our unnecessarily strict quotas, and allow for "free markets" to better decide how many people should be able to immigrate to the United States to work and to live.

It might be 100 degrees outside, but July is the best time of year to start thinking about Christmas. No, not Christmas in July shopping events, rather, it is the best time of year to start saving for Christmas.

As Christians living in America, we love our nation. I worry though, that our love for America has gone too far. Art Katz used to say, "You are far too American."

I went through some very hard times when I was in my 20's. Financially, I was a mess. Most months I was lucky to be broke. In my latest podcast, I talk. openly about my trials, and how God was with me through them all...

We often think "repentance" is a four letter word that accompanies a "Turn or burn!" style preaching. That's where we would be mistaken. Repentance is...

Our society is growing increasingly casual. This is reflected not only in the way we dress and what we wear, but is also seen in our relationships and faith...

I was once inspired by Barney Stinson on the TV show "How I Met Your Mother" to believe that I too was "awesome." Here's my advice on being awesome...

America is having some increasingly difficult conversations about capitalism vs. democratic socialism. The church is not exempt from these conversations. As Christians, how should we think about these competing economic systems?

Some have said that Fortnite is "the most addicting video game ever made." And I have to admit, until recently, I found myself powerfully hooked. In my latest Podcast I talk about the 3 reasons I deleted Fortnite from my iPad.

Whether you are broke, a millionaire, or somewhere in between (like me), we all want to grow our savings. These 7 practical tips will help you take better control of your personal finances, and help you grow your savings...

We live in age of religious skepticism. More and more people have their doubts about the existence of God and the claims of Christianity. As Christians, we need to be ready to offer a defense (apologia) for our faith, and to provide the world with a reasonable philosophical and historical defense of our faith. Learn more about how you can defend your Christian faith, and explain why we as Christians believe what we believe...

Jesus taught us to love others extravagantly, like He did. After a recent retreat and funeral, I've come to realize I don't love others as fully as Christ taught us. In today’s podcast, I talk about my struggles, outline reasons why I believe our capacity to love is often limited, and what practical steps we can do to grow in our ability to love others as Christ taught.

When it comes to our sense of calling and “purpose” in this world, and how it's tied to our occupations, I believe we are asking a lot of the wrong questions. Today's podcast looks to distinguish between purpose and occupation, and seeks to ask better questions in discovering what God has called us to be in this world.

As Christians in America, we feel pretty cozy with the idea of wealth and prosperity. So much so that we've created a "prosperity gospel" in which we declare that Jesus not only wants us make us wealthy, but that He wants us to pursue wealth and all the material blessings of our society. In my latest podcast, I contrast this idea with a sermon that protestant reformer John Calvin once gave on the 8th commandment, in which he openly decries the pursuit of wealth, and how his sermon takes us back to a time in which serious minded Christians challenged the notion that Jesus encouraged us to become wealthy and to pursue wealth.

“Marriage is hard!” is the common creed of our culture. And this belief is reinforced through all the good marriages we’ve known to go bad. I believe differently. I believe marriage isn’t hard, I believe it’s actually “stupidly easy.”