My Seminary Life

Welcome back to My Seminary Life, and holy cow it's been five years of the show! How did that happen? How are you still listening to this? In this episode, I reflect on where the show has been, and where I hope it is headed in the next five years, although I do find those questions a bit tasking. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome to my dojo, this is Drunken Fist Happy Hour, a special edition of Kung Fu Pizza Party where I put aside the 30 minutes or less stipulation, and instead I grab a drink and a friend and we let the conversation meander like Drunken Fist Kung Fu. With me today is Joshua Noel of Be Living Water to discuss Christian Taoism or Taoist Christianity. We are all on a spiritual journey, and in Josh's case, he has found a path to living his truest self found in Jesus and pursing the Tao. Be Living Water: https://be-living-water.captivate.fm/Instagram: @kungfupizzaparty Letterboxd: KungFuPizzaPrtyYouTube: youtube.com/StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life Presents: Fish FryDays the Musical. This week, turn in your hymnal to some number as we look at Man of Sorrows. This hymn keeps us grounded on the reality of Christ's human experience of sorrow, our sinful state, and our declaration of worship as a result of our salvation. Check out the full article on Phillip P. Bliss from TGC: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/story-hymn-man-sorrows/Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life Presents: Fish FryDays the Musical, and a happy Saint Patrick's Day to you all. Before we crack open green beer and diving into some corned beef and cabbage, I sit down to talk about the classic song Johnny I hardly Knew Ya; a song that reminds us of the grim realities of war and how war is a place fo destruction while God is in the work of restoration. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life Presents: Fish FryDays the Musical. In this musical devotional series, I cover a different song each week that captures the themes, postures, and practices of Lent. This week, I'm looking at a beloved U2 song from The Joshua Tree; a song about spiritual longing and a surprising declaration that should challenge our perception of what it means to be a human. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

"Because you're mine, I walk the line." Welcome back to My Seminary Life Presents: Fish FryDays the Musical. Today, we move into Act II with a look at what is considered to be the greatest country song of all time, "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash. This is a love song that acknowledges faithfulness and self-denial, two key aspects of a Lenten fast. However, as we see in Cash's iconic song and from Scripture, the motivation to be faithful and to deny oneself does not come from inner strength, but from a greater experience that moves one to fiathfulness. Contact: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

"You make beautiful things. You make beautiful things out of the dust."Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today is the start of My Seminary Life Presents: Fish FryDays the Musical. Each week, I will sit down to discuss a song that I think captures the posture, themes, and Scriptures that impact the Lent season. To begin, I talk about Beautiful Things by Gungor; a song of lament that reminds us to groan our humanity, the earth's final redemption, but also points us to God's ability to bring life from desperate places.Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

This episode is a rebroadcast from last year's Fish Frydays. Happy (early) Saint Patrick's Day! Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today, for our Fish FryDay devotional, we are taking a look at Rend Collective's newest song "The Prayer of Saint Patrick" inspired by The Prayer/Breastplate of Saint Patrick. After briefly recapping the history of Rend Collective and their recent campaign to "Make Rend Folk Again," I dive into the words of both the song and the prayer, look at their differences, and focus on the general message of these words that Jesus is in us and is our strength. As we travel through this wilderness, there will be times when hunger pains sit in, both literal and existential. The words of this prayer renew our mind to the reality that it is Christ in us our strength, not by our own might. Listen to the song: https://youtu.be/Hi-rZMTURCY?si=_KO9D_URA469m59WContact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

This is a rebroadcast of a previous episode of My Seminary Life. Worship projects for Lent are few and far between. Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns has filled that worship gap with his latest project Hymns of Lent. Nathan and I discuss how these songs came together and how they guide us during the Lenten season. Nathan also talks about some of his geeky hobbies too! Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Rabbit Trail is an on-going series where I discuss the things that I wish I could have talked about in my sermon. Today, inspired by my sermon on Psalm 2, I sit down to discuss what I and others call The American Persecution Complex. I also talk about how I kinda messed this sermon up...Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Experiential Preaching is on on-going series where I discuss specific sermons that I preached that utilized an experiential element to bring the congregation into the sermon to make it a living and dynamic experience. In this episode, I recap my sermon on Psalm 1 and discuss how inviting the congregation to meditate during the service impacted those in attendance. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Inspried by last week's dive into season two of NPR's Extremely American, I sit down to pitch my theory that there are indeed at least two ways that Christian Nationalism manifests itself. That's right, I'm attempting to systematize Christian Nationalism, but I think it will help us to better identify what we are looking at if we do. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In today's episode, I sit down to review the NPR series Extremely American. After briefly recapping season one which covered Alt-Right Maltia Groups, I focus my attention on season two which took a dive into the ministry of Doug Wilson who is a prominent Christian Nationalist. What does a non-Christian organization have to say about Christian Nationalism? Tune in to find out! Listen to Extremely American here: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510381/extremely-americanContact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

The foremost focus of this podcast episode is a thorough discussion among Joshua Noel, Christian Ashley, and Brandon Knight, regarding their individual podcasts under the Anazao Podcasts Network and their reflections on the events of 2025. They delve into their respective projects, articulating the significant developments and content that have engaged their audiences throughout the past year. As they explore their aspirations and goals for 2026, the conversation unveils an array of upcoming projects and thematic directions, promising an engaging year ahead for listeners. Each host articulates personal anecdotes and insights, fostering a sense of community and shared experience within the network. This episode serves as an informative preview, allowing listeners to anticipate exciting new content and collaborations on the horizon.The podcast episode delves into a broader exploration of interpersonal relationships within the church, highlighting the necessity for kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, echoing the divine forgiveness extended to humanity through Christ. Through this lens Joshua Noel, Christian Ashley, and Brandon Knight, engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about the challenges faced by modern Christians in fostering genuine community while navigating differing opinions and emotions. The episode further invites reflection on the complexities of maintaining unity within the church amidst diverse perspectives and experiences.The speakers encourage listeners to consider how understanding and empathy can mitigate conflicts, suggesting that slowing down to engage in meaningful dialogue can enhance relationships and diminish hostile reactions. They emphasize the significance of forgiveness as a deliberate choice, mirroring the grace received from God. This part of the discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of grace in nurturing a loving and supportive church environment. In conclusion, the episode not only provides theological insights but also practical implications for personal conduct and community dynamics, urging listeners to embody the principles of love and understanding in their daily interactions.The episode also features a light-hearted introduction to the hosts and a discussion about their various podcasting endeavors, establishing a casual atmosphere that juxtaposes the serious themes discussed. They reflect on their personal journeys, illustrating the diverse backgrounds that inform their perspectives on faith and community. The hosts share anecdotes about their experiences in church and podcasting, creating a relatable context for the serious discussions that follow. This blend of personal stories and theological discourse enriches the episode, making it accessible while still addressing profound spiritual truths. The concluding remarks reiterate the importance of unity, kindness, and forgiveness within the church, encouraging listeners to actively contribute to a culture of understanding and grace, both in their personal lives and in their wider church communities.In essence, the podcast episode challenges listeners to reflect on their behaviors and attitudes towards others, particularly in moments of conflict, while offering practical strategies for fostering a more compassionate and unified community. The hosts' earnest engagement with these themes invites listeners to not only reflect on their personal faith journeys but also to actively participate in creating a church environment characterized by love, truth, and mutual support. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to embody the principles discussed and to engage with one another in a spirit of kindness and understanding.Takeaways:The hosts reflect on their individual podcast journeys and share insights about their shows' evolution throughout 2025.The discussion emphasizes the importance of community engagement and understanding diverse viewpoints within the Christian faith.Listeners are encouraged to explore various shows on the Anazao Podcast Network to broaden their perspectives and engage with different theological discussions.Brandon Knight announces an innovative format for his upcoming episodes, blending music themes with scriptural reflections during Lent in 2026.Christian Ashley highlights the significance of personal growth through challenges in faith, particularly during his job search since graduating seminary.The hosts express a commitment to fostering genuine dialogue and unity within the Christian community as they prepare for future episodes in 2026..Check out the new Anazao Podcasts Network website:https://anazao-podcasts-shop.fourthwall.com/Mentioned in this episode:Easily subscribe to our show wherever you listen!https://the-whole-church-podcast.captivate.fm/listenCheck out the other AMP Network shows!https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm . https://open.spotify.com/show/725pdvTzkle0fDWK2sdxnD?si=e317918366e04338 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/anaz

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today, we kick off 2026 with a Rabbit Trail edition of the show. Usually on Rabbit Trail, I talk about the thing that I wished I could have talked about in a recent sermon that I preached. However, for this episode, I talk about when to make the exception to run down the Rabbit Trail. Join me in Genesis 16 as we explore a controversial passage and run down the Trail together. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In today's episode, I sit down to highlight what has been going on in 2025, and more importantly, announce some of what is to come in 2026. Your boy has been cooking up some things in the kitchen, and you're not ready for what's coming in 2026! Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In today's episode, we are making one last stop on memory lane as we go back to Year Four, episode 150, The Eyes of the Ranger are Upon You. This was originally a part of the Celebrate March series which focused on people born in March that made an impact on religion, faith, or pop culture. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today, I take us back down memory lane to Year Three of the show with Of Monsters and Luther (Part 1). This episode features Joshua Noel and I discussing Santanism, the affect of the Satanic Panic on our view of Satanists, and what Martin Luther had to say about Satan and Demons. Plus poop jokes and a dated reference to kick off the show. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. This week we are taking another trip down memory lane as we revisit the most downloaded episode from Year Two of the show. This is episode 55, Smashing Pumpkins; that time my friends and I pulled off the biggest pumpkin heist in history. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Over the next few weeks we are going to take a trip down memory lane as I revisist the most downloaded episode from each year of the show. This week I head back to Year One during the Spiritual Formation series to talk about a book that at the time I did not care much for but my opinions have changed on it since. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNineContact: [email protected]

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In today's episode, I am joined by Joe Dea and Christian Ashley of Friday Night Frights to discuss the identity of the Sons of God and Nephilim in Scripture. As we look at various takes on this debate, we get down to the TRUTH of the matter...sortaFriday Night Frights: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/773e85f2-7f7d-45d2-9835-2773f8dafc7aContact MSL: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In today's episode, I sit down with our good friend Dietrich Bonhoeffer to discuss his views on the existence of God...sorta. The year is 1930, Bonhoeffer is visiting Amierca, and he has some thoughts on how places like Union Seminary is doing theology. This episode brings us back to basics on how Bonhoeffer views Scripture, but also on how we cannot neglect the use of philosophy and especially ethics as modern Christians. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. We are picking things up after the break with ReOrientation; the special where we strip everything down and get back to basics, our pursuit of Jesus. For this year's edition, I sit down to look at Judges 3:12-31 at how Ehud delivered Israel from Moab and from it I challenge the common said phrase that "God works in mysterious ways." I think that statement does not represent how God works well and does damage to how we are to live. Instead, I reflect on how God works in unexpected ways and how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of that. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

"O GOD, in Your Wonderful Providence, You have chosen Justus Takayama Ukon to be a singular promoter of Your Kingdom, and an undaunted witness to the Catholic Faith —REWARD, we beseech You, his zeal for Your Glory..."Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. Today, we keep the samurai talks going as I walk through a brief history of Dom Justo Takayama, a former samurai, and a potential future Catholic Saint. I briefly walk through the process that Blessed Takayam needs to go through to be given that status, and how we here at Kung Fu Pizza Party NEED this to happen. Instagram: @kungfupizzapartyLetterboxd: KungFuPizzaPrtyMerch: bonfire.com/2025kungfuYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

This episode was originally ran during the Systematic Theology 1 series. In this episode I run down the five views on who "the sons of God" are in Genesis 6:2 and why this passage matters to our Christian life.

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In today's episode, I sit down to discuss one of the books that have made the biggest impact on me in my pulpit supply ministry, Autopsy of a Deceased Church by Thom Rainer. I start off by talking about the odd circumstances around how I first found out about this book, I highlight some of the marks Rainer has of an unhealthy church, and finally, I discuss the one area of health that this book does not cover. Contact: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today is the annual Schoolz Out special, and nothing says that more than the iconic song by Alice Cooper. Yes, we're talking Alice Cooper on My Seminary Life today; who would have guessed that? We dive into the cultural impact of the song, check out the lyrics, and talk about the inspiration behind the song as well. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNineContact: [email protected]

Happy 200th episode of My Seminary Life! Going back to back on retrospecitive episodes focusing on how I'm finding healing in a divided church world, I talk today about Love In the Name of Christ. This nonprofit is focused on bringing churches of different backgrounds together to love their communities more effectively. I also briefly talk about my role as a newly voted member of the Board of Directors. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNineLove INC of Greater Hammond Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveIncOfGreaterHammond

"To injur an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace." Welcome to my dojo, this is Kung Fu Pizza Party. Today, I talk about how I fulfilled one of my Challenges by spending the day meditating on peace inspired by my reading of The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba. In the episode, I discuss why I chose peace as the focal point of my day of meditation, who Ueshiba was, and how I am beginning to apply the teachings of The Art of Peace in my life. Instagram: @kungfupizzaparty Letterboxd: KungFuPizzaPrtyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Happy birthday My Seminary Life! Welcome back to the show. Often here on MSL I say the phrase "I reserve the right to change my mind later." Well, the celebrate four years of My Seminary Life, I sit down to talk about one thing that I have changed my mind on from since the beginning of the show. Turns out, dispite recent frustration I've aired here on the show, I am not as anti-denominational as I used to be. Allow me to tell you what changed...Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In today's episode, we revisit one of our favorite theologians, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. We go back to 1930 when Bonhoeffer gave a eulogy for the prominent German theologian, Adolf Von Harnack. I start things off by briefly expalining who Von Harnack was, the three things that stand out to me from this eulogy, and how these things impact how we worship God and make disciples. I also talk longer than the eulogy itself actually went. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today, in our ongoing Rabbit Trail series, I sit down to talk about the complication that is thelogical labels. After briefly recapping my sermon on reading Scripture from Psalm 119:9-16, I transition into this very complicated topic. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLife

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In today's Experiential Preaching episode, I sit down to talk about my recent sermon on the Spiritual Discipline of taking Communion with regular intentionality. Though I do not have much to say on how I lead Communion or distributed the elements, because I find those logistical conversations tedious, I spend most of this episode walking through my sermon on John 6:53-58 exploring how the close intimacy and union we have with Jesus is a reality and how that then affects how we approach Communion. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLife

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today, we return to our ongoing series Experiential Preaching where I talk about a sermon I recently preached and what element I used to bring the congregation into the sermon in the moment. Today's message was out of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 with the focus on prayer. In the episode, I talk about how I preached a short message so I could get out of the way and let the people pray for the needs of the church. I also talked about the aftermath of how the Spirit moved and how I was also humbled in the process as well. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLifeContact: [email protected]

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today's episode is a rebroadcast of the Deconstructing Discipleship from the Discipleship Methods series. Back in January, I preached a series on Spiritual Disciplines, and one of the sermons was on dsicipleship. With the importance of understanding what discipleship is, I thought it would be helpful for us to go back and breakdown what we have often turned discipleship into. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLife

The concluding episode of our "Whole Church Job Fair" series presents a compelling dialogue between Joshua Noel and Brandon Knight, who serves as a "Ninja Coach" at the YMCA. The primary focus of this discussion is to explore the relevance of theological topics typically debated within ecclesiastical and academic circles to the everyday experiences of individuals engaged in non-vocational ministry roles. Throughout their conversation, Knight reflects on his journey from seminary to his current profession, evaluating whether the theological education he received holds any significance in his daily life. This episode not only encapsulates insights from Knight’s unique vocation but also underscores the broader theme of how diverse occupations can intersect with spiritual and theological principles. As we conclude this series, we invite listeners to anticipate an encore episode next week, followed by a Round Table discussion in three weeks, featuring various pastors and professors who will reflect on the insights shared throughout this series.The concluding episode of our 'Whole Church Job Fair' series features an engaging dialogue between Joshua Noel and Brandon Knight, who delves into his unique role as a 'Ninja Coach' at the YMCA. This enlightening conversation explores the intersection of vocational ministry and secular employment, specifically examining whether the theological discussions prevalent in seminaries hold any significance in everyday work environments. Brandon's journey from seminary to becoming a Ninja Coach illustrates the diverse paths individuals take and challenges the notion that ministry is confined solely to the pulpit. Through their discourse, they highlight the importance of viewing all professions as avenues for ministry, fostering a sense of unity among those in various occupations. Joshua and Brandon also confront the technical difficulties encountered during recording, adding a layer of authenticity to the episode, while the overarching theme emphasizes how individuals can embody their faith in every aspect of their lives, including their day jobs.Takeaways: In this final episode of the Whole Church Job Fair series, we explore the relevance of theological discussions in everyday occupations. Brandon Knight, a Ninja Coach, shares insights on how his seminary education shapes his current work and interactions with children. The episode emphasizes the importance of seeing all forms of work as ministry, regardless of the field or job title. Through the lens of Ninja Zone, we learn how teaching physical skills can also promote social justice and community engagement. Brandon argues for the necessity of ethical training in pastoral education to ensure accountability and integrity within ministry. The discussion reveals the disconnect between theological education and practical application in various societal roles, advocating for a holistic view of ministry. Companies mentioned in this episode: Ninja Zone YMCA Anazao My Seminary Life Kung Fu Pizza Party .Check out all of the other shows in the Anazao Podcast Network:https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm.Don't miss any of the episodes we've done in our "Whole Church Job Fair" series so far:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/660c787f-d176-4587-b3b1-1e8fce4df217.Check out My Seminary Life & Kung Fu Pizza Party with Brandon Knight: https://my-seminary-life.captivate.fm/listenhttps://kung-fu-pizza-party.captivate.fm/listen.Check out more from TJ on Systematic Geekology:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/642da9db-496a-40f5-b212-7013d1e211e0.Check out Joshua's Kingdom Hearts substack, The Kingdom Key:https://thekingdomkey.substack.com/.Wanna meet our hosts? Get your tickets to Theology Beer Camp 2025 to meet Joshua & TJ in St Paul, MN, this fall!https://www.theologybeercamp2025.com/

Welcome to My Seminary Life. In today's final epsidoe of Fish FryDays, I sit down on this Good Friday to briefly reflect on the totality of the cross; the totality of death. Death is an all consuming thing, like burnt offerings, or even new life. The vine and its branches are so intwined it's hard to tell when one starts and the other ends. Being united in Jesus' death and resurrection is a total process. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life, and to another edition of Fish FryDays. In today's episode, I share the abridged version of a recent sermon I preached on Luke 3:7-14 on John the Baptist's call to repent by loving your neighbor. Here I breakdown that spiritual priviledge and abuse of authority do not look like people who worship and believe in Yahweh, or that they are following His Son Jesus. Instead, a life that looks at one's own resources and decides how to show the love of God to their neighbor by their means is a life that does believe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life and another edition of Fish FryDays. In today's devotional, we circle back to the concept of being content and seeking a glorious God by having nothing. I reflect on Matthew 5:1-3 and a quote from AW Tozer on that verse. I also bring up the spiritual benefit of minimalism and how Lent is more than just fasting but acts of charity as well. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life and to another edition of Fish FryDays. In today's episode, I briefly share my reflections on knowing God, making Him known, enjoying God, fearing God, keeping His commands, and enjoying life. I also wrestle with the question of what if the gospel isn't supposed to be centered around sin but around the opportunity to know a glorious God. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. In this week's edition of Fish FryDay's I sit down to talk about being content. Fasting is an acknowledgement of our contentment with our situations as they are. Being content does not necessarily mean being happy. Being content however does show our contentment in God, the giver of all good things, and shows our desire to not be content with where we are at in our spiritual growth. Being content draws us to know God. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Happy (early) Saint Patrick's Day! Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today, for our Fish FryDay devotional, we are taking a look at Rend Collective's newest song "The Prayer of Saint Patrick" inspired by The Prayer/Breastplate of Saint Patrick. After briefly recapping the history of Rend Collective and their recent campaign to "Make Rend Folk Again," I dive into the words of both the song and the prayer, look at their differences, and focus on the general message of these words that Jesus is in us and is our strength. As we travel through this wilderness, there will be times when hunger pains sit in, both literal and existential. The words of this prayer renew our mind to the reality that it is Christ in us our strength, not by our own might. Listen to the song: https://youtu.be/Hi-rZMTURCY?si=_KO9D_URA469m59WStudio 219: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life, and welcome back to Fish FryDays. In this year's edition of Fish FryDays, I will be bringing you all devotional style episodes to move us through the Lenten season. In today's episode, I breakdown the wilderness, chosen suffering, and knowing God; three things that when they are strung together may ruffle some Christian's feathers. However, here I breakdown how Lent is a time when we enter a chosen wilderness of suffering to purposefully create longings so we may know ourselves and, more importantly, be drawn to be with God more. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

What is joy? Welscome back to My Seminary Life. In today's episode, I conclude our trilogy of CS Lewis episodes talking about how he understood the concept of joy. As I prepare, and partially rewrite, my sermon on Psalm 30, and with the Lenten season of introspection and grief ahead of us, I thought it would be good to set out to better understand what joy is. As we look at Lewis' some what mystical understanding of joy, and match that to Psalm 30 seeing it as a partial result of processing sorrow, we are left in a place where we are called to be in the moment of life rather than trying to chase certain feelings and specific outcomes. AMP: https://anazao-ministries.captivate.fm/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. On today's show, we continue looking at the life of CS Lewis with a brief review of the film The Most Reluctant Convert from The Fellowship of Performing Arts. The film chronicles CS Lewis' life journey from Atheism to Christianity and all the stops along the way as told in his own book Surprised by Joy. In the review, I walk you all through Lewis' various religious and philosophical stages, talk about my own desire to be like the men of this era, and geek out over the idea of having a beer with Lewis. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioTwoOneNine

Welcome back to My Seminary Life. Today, we are beginning a run of episodes revolving around CS Lewis. After briefly recapping my current sermon series On Faith: What Does it Mean to Believe? I talk about CS Lewis and his conversion to believing in Jesus. I discuss my difficulties with his conversion story while trying to root out the weeds of my own faith. Then I take us back to Hebrews 11:1-3 to address the different ways in the US we build the "assurance" of our faith while making the case for simple belief in Jesus. Contact: [email protected]: https://www.youtube.com/@MySeminaryLife