This week we're in the parable of the vineyard, talking about what it looks like when people close themselves off to Jesus and what he does in response. Spoiler: it's not what you'd expect. We've got a Spurgeon quote, a zoom in on Isaiah, some thoughts on rooting out indifference in our lives, and a conversation about what it actually means to evangelize believers and disciple non-believers.

Most of life is Type 2 fun — miserable in the moment, deeply rewarding in retrospect. Parenting, relationships, church planting. This week we talk about what it looks like to actually live connected to Jesus in the middle of that — not just knowing the rules but taking your sin to him. Plus how to spot a good Christian book, a crash course in Biblical Theology, and what the church actually is versus what people think it is.

This week we talk about what it looks like to be receptive to Jesus — in anxiety, health scares, and hard relationships. Plus Bird Talk, solo dad adventures, how to unpack the Old Testament story in simple ways, and why the cross gets bigger the longer you follow Jesus.

We all want a life that matters. The disciples did too — and Jesus completely reframes what that looks like. We look at a wild conversion story, what the atonement of Jesus means (and doesn't mean), and how receiving significance from Jesus changes the way we live.

What can a cartoon character teach us about idolatry? Jesus goes after the rich young ruler's heart, and Jesus desires our hearts. When we come to understand how God gives us new life and a new heart of worship toward Jesus, it also helps us build gospel bridges to our neighbors - so they can know the Savior who looks at them and loves them.

This week's episode engages with the tough topic of divorce, while also looking at the beauty and transformation that takes place when we experience committed love.

What do jeans, ear wax, and a poorly received Nike ad the Boston Marathon have to do with the gospel? We are excellent at creating exclusion - but thankfully the gospel, although it is a message about an exclusive savior, is more inclusive than we like to believe.

If the gospel were based on performance, we would all be excluded. But the good news is, we can be included, through faith in Jesus who was excluded so we could be brought in. This changes the way we treat others - and is central to what it looks like to be on "Team Jesus."

Welcome to the Disappointingly Normal podcast, presented by Hope Community Church - North Lakes!

This first episode talks about grace, freedom, engaging with others, and watching yourself make mistakes in real time.

The goal of this podcast is to take discipleship beyond Sundays to all of our lives.

As always, the news is good and the grace is free!