Shows
House of Learning PodcastHow to Read the Bible QuestionAs part of our Go Deeper: the Bible series, we had a question and response time. Here's the questions we couldn't get to on Sunday... we've got ones about authors, translations, trust and tricky verses, all chatted through with some friendly fun!
2024-09-121h 05House of Learning PodcastThe antichrist testWe're back! At AJC we've been in 1 John, and there's a part we can't talk about on a Sunday... so we get to chat here. John talks about spiritual conflict, and how it's affecting the church, what it means for the believers, and how to test and determine who is on which side. Enjoy!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and...2024-07-2150 minHouse of Learning PodcastJesus crashes the political party...There's so much conflict and division around an election season - in the church as well as the nation! How can we follow God's heart through the confusion and show people the way of Jesus in the chaos? Josh Butler has written an excellent book on that question, The Party Crasher. Coming out of his experiences and pressing into this challenge in his situations, there's loads of insight and practical help on how to apply Jesus and the Bible to our context. He joins us to talk about some of the big ideas, and we get to ask himi...2024-05-2645 minHouse of Learning PodcastIs there hope for me?We wrestle to engage with God and find hope. Habakkuk left us a song, and connected is with a story to inspire faith. We're joined by Mike McGeoy, who has written a book of his story, and how he's discovered God speaking and engaging him in ordinary ways that have grown his faith and transformed his life. Is there more of God to pay attention to in our own story: something to to appreciate and a story to tell?
Mike's book is Is That You God: God is Always Speaking to Us...But Are We Really Listening?2024-04-0547 minHouse of Learning PodcastHabakkuk's song: from lament to hopeAfter two laments and a litany of woes, Habakkuk bursts into a song of hope and praise... so how did he get there? This song captures some of how God has interacted with the prophet, grown him and taught him, and expanded his horizons so faith could find hope in the midst of darkness. If a song for us, to help us take the same journey, and find hope in time of need.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland...2024-03-1450 minHouse of Learning PodcastWhat is in a woe?Woe passages can make us nervous – after all, sometimes we're on the wrong side of a woe – but God is giving these woes to comfort and encourage. We're in the woe songs of Habakkuk. Each one gives insight into God's heart, and as we thing about how each context relates to ours, we can receive comfort and encouragement too...
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us...2024-03-0854 minHouse of Learning PodcastWhat is Justice?Justice is a concept we are very confused about in our culture, and amidst all the options our city clamors about, God has something more. As God shows Habakkuk he cares about justice by explaining some specifics, it makes us pause to think about the framework we use. It's a big question, with a complex and nuanced answer... and we only scratch the surface! But it's a big conversation, so you''re invited to get excited about God growing you, and perhaps spotting your justice weak spot.
2024-03-011h 16House of Learning PodcastHow to lament with othersAs we continue to learn from Habakkuk, Heather (our star therapist) joins us to talk about lamenting with others. How can we be priests, bringing God's presence into the pain of others, by our presence with them. Does biblical lament offer a framework to help us understand how to interact with the suffering and grieving? It seems like there's a connection – so we explore the practical implications...
Heather mentions the book Holy Listening, by Margaret Guenther
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This podcast is pro...2024-02-2736 minHouse of Learning PodcastA Theology of SufferingAs Habakkuk continues to lament we're faced with questions like, "Does God use suffering?" "Do the righteous suffer with the unrighteous?" "Why is there suffering?" And, "How can a good God 'use' evil?" So, just a few light questions on this week's episode! There is purpose in suffering, but we have to ask some big questions to fit it into a healthy Christian perspective - something we're not good at, both as Americans and in the Western Church.
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This podcast is p...2024-02-1557 minHouse of Learning PodcastThe Power of LamentHave you ever found yourself wanting to cry out, "Why God?" Or to cry out a desperate need for God to help? That's the beginning of a lament. It's a massive part of people interacting with God throughout the Bible... but a really minor part of modern American prayer and worship. Habakkuk begins with a lament, so we talk about what it is, why it matters, and how to do it. It's a big deal, so we invite you to try it with us.
We reference a community exercise (grab a worksheet from us on Sunday of...2024-02-081h 13House of Learning PodcastWhy Habakkuk, and what's his deal with faith?It's time for a new series, and we're jumping into Habakkuk! We chat about why we're choosing this book of the Bible, how God's been leading us, and what we hope will happen as we journey through it. A lot of this has to do with faith, so we go deep exploring what faith is, what it's not, how it works and how it grows... there are even invisible chairs!
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This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.2024-02-0154 minHouse of Learning PodcastGoing Deeper in WorshipWe’ve been having conversations about God’s invitation to go deeper… and there’s one conversation we haven’t had space for on Sundays: WORSHIP! But don’t fear, we’ve invited some friends from our worship crew to talk about what God is up to as he’s leading them deeper, and how he’s calling them to lead AJC deeper in our worship.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed thi...2024-01-311h 07House of Learning PodcastCafes and sermonsAs we catch up on all things AJC and consider going deeper we chat about the role of hospitality in the church, and how we interact deeper with teachings. So, is having a church cafe just plain cheesy, or worse something Jesus would kick over and drive out? And, how do you bake a teaching to get all the nutrition out of it? Join us as we explore...!
2024-01-1247 minHouse of Learning PodcastWe’re back... and here’s what’s been happening!Welcome back!
Well, the summer break turned into a autumn hiatus. Lots happened! So, catch up with us on what God was up to, and how it's been affecting us. Plus we look ahead to what we see God leading us into at A Jesus Church, and what'll be happening on the podcast in the season ahead.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leav...2024-01-0535 minHouse of Learning PodcastReading Hebrews“Hebrews might be even harder to read than Revelation!” And that’s why we’re chatting about the book of Hebrews and why it’s so rich, and matters so much for us today. Plus, we have some friends who are releasing a podcast to help guide you through exploring this book - you can check that out in the link below, or by searching for ‘Hebrews a conversation’ on your podcast apps. We hope you are inspired to dive in and read.
You can find Tim and Steve’s last project about Revelation at https://arevelati...2023-10-2056 minHouse of Learning PodcastFamily AlphaWelcome back from summer break! AJC is doing a new thing: Family Alpha. This week is Alpha Sunday, so we wanted to dive in and chat about how God's been shaping vision for this, and why we're excited to invite everyone to join in. There's great insight from our Alpha pastor Jenny, and from the Youth team about what God's up to and the opportunity he's been revealing.
We mentioned a url for signing up - go to www.ajesuschurch/connect for all the details!
2023-09-1741 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Witnesses of a Risen JesusThe end is here… of Luke anyway. But actually, it’s just the beginning. Luke shows us the power of God and the power of witness so that people can encounter the risen Jesus. We are encouraged to see God’s activity drawing us to Jesus - even when it’s hard for us to see what’s real. This sets the tone for the Book of Acts, which is the next part of Luke’s writings, and it draws us into the story as those to whom Luke is a witness, and who are now in the shoes of being a w...2023-06-161h 05House of Learning PodcastJesus DiesJesus arrives at the cross. We move from a series of trials full of human injustice at its worst, to the tragic but inevitable death of Jesus as he fulfills the Father’s mission. There at the cross injustice and evil look like they’ve won, but actually it’s the moment of their defeat! What looks like the end, is actually a moment of Jesus’ enthronement and victory. And around the cross, a variety of people are all being affected by Jesus…
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This...2023-06-111h 15House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Watching the EndWe’re back in Luke with chapters 21 and 22 - what a lot! Right at the end is Richard’s favorite part of Luke: how Jesus responds to Peter’s failure. But we start with Jesus talking about the end: of the Temple and Jerusalem, and the End of the Time of the Gentiles - and there’s an important lesson about what to watch out for and how while we wait for these things. We also get Jesus’ farewell moments with his disciples, where Jesus institutes the Last Supper, but also grows more marginalized, even among his followers and friends.2023-06-021h 42House of Learning PodcastWhy Pentecost?Happy Pentecost! This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, but what is it, and why and how should we make a big deal of it? From the Spirit hovering over the waters of Genesis 1 to Moses on a mountaintop and the traveling pillar of fire - so much in the Bible comes together to enrich our understanding of the significance of God sending the Spirit to respond to the cross and resurrection and start the church.
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This podcast is produced by A Jesus C...2023-05-261h 04House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Questions and ConflictPart two this week is on Luke 20. We have a litany of questions fired at Jesus with the agenda of challenging and undermining his authority. Jesus shows his wisdom with some mic drops… but he isn’t threatened by them, and is able to reach out and invite them to think in a way that creates a path to the Kingdom: wisdom indeed!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed...2023-05-1955 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Seeing the Surprise KingdomTwo podcasts this week - first Luke 19. The surprises of Jesus and the Kingdom continue to escalate, and they come alongside a parable warning about non-participation. Sight and blindness are big themes, and it’s surprising who sees and who doesn’t!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with someone.
And if you have a question you’d li...2023-05-1955 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Come to JesusComing to Jesus is a big theme in Luke 18 this week. Alongside it we have a catalog of things that either help or hinder us coming to Jesus… which is very practical! We have some provocative characters like the world's worst judge, a woman who won’t quit, and a beggar who won’t shut up. We also get a recurrence of the theme of money, and what it’s for.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.2023-05-121h 25House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Faith, Forgiveness & GratitudeThis week we have Jesus talking about forgiving those who repent, why our faith is enough, about entitlement, and a lesson about gratitude. Jesus also talks to the disciples about what to be aware of while sojourning in this world as a citizen of heaven, waiting for Jesus’ return. All this and more in Luke 17!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscr...2023-05-071h 03House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: UndividedLuke 16 can look like Jesus affirming dishonesty, some overly black and white words on divorce, and some confusing things about Hades and the afterlife… so it's an epic long podcast this week! There’s lots to unpack as we discover Jesus has a trustworthy version of shrewdness in mind, has a reason for bold claims about divorce, and that understanding Hades isn’t the essential thing we’re supposed to get from the Lazarus parable - whew!
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This podcast is produced by A Jesu...2023-04-301h 44House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Grace & HumilityWe’re back! It’s time to get back into Luke, and we pick things up in chapter 15, full of parables about the Father’s heart to seek the lost. We chat about how the dynamics of humility and grace play out, and how they affect us personally, and our attitudes to people around us… which has a huge impact on our ability to embody the Father’s heart to seek the lost and fill his table!
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This podcast is produced by A Jesus...2023-04-231h 09House of Learning PodcastFamily Easter TraditionsEaster can pass so quickly! How can we slow down to appreciate its rich meaning? This is especially hard for kids, bombarded with egg hunts and chocolate, it’s easy for the purpose of celebration to get minimized. Weston and Jenny join us to chat about some of their traditions, to spark our creativity as we grow in celebrating the cross and empty tomb.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enj...2023-03-2629 minHouse of Learning PodcastCelebrating Easter TraditionsIf Easter’s so special, what can we do to celebrate? Other than turning up to church, how can we make space to be drawn in, to grab ahold of the story and interact with its realities? Xylecia and Ebenezer join us to talk about some of their traditions from Tennessee and Ghana - to fuel our creativity as we think about ways we can celebrate in our season and city.
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This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Ore...2023-03-1936 minHouse of Learning PodcastThe Story MattersDuring Lent we’re putting the Easter story in context of God’s wider story, and situating ourselves within it to be formed by that story. But why does story matter so much? Aren’t we all above being pushed around by narratives? Join us as we chat through why God’s story is so powerful, how we can get it wrong, and the difference it can make to us.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
2023-03-1238 minHouse of Learning PodcastLent & FastingIt’s Lent: a time of preparation for Easter. We tell the story of Lent, which is a tradition stretching back to the Church Fathers. It’s traditionally associated with fasting. But what’s the difference between biblical fasting and ‘giving something up for Lent?’ We chat about fasting as a pursuit of God, as a rhythm of spiritual life, and especially as a way to prepare to celebrate.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
...2023-03-051h 02House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Prayer and RepentanceRepentance gets a bad rap: it’s almost a dirty word. In this week’s section of Luke, Jesus elevates repentance. So, we talk about what it is, how to do it, and why it matters so much as a regular aspect of our prayers. We also have some important chat about whether we should worry about not being able to change, how the kingdom can have blurry boundaries, and what God’s heart is to those whose will is not yet repenting… which is all good news for us!
Thanks for listening to this episode o...2023-02-261h 20House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Prayer & ReadinessLast week Jesus dropped a massive idea about seeking the Kingdom of God, and this week we right into some warning about being ready and interpreting the times. But ready for what? And what does it have to do with prayer? Join us as we chat through the sort of preparation Jesus is talking about, how it applies to us, and the things that can get in the way of it.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, O...2023-02-1948 minHouse of Learning PodcastB-Side: Prayer & AnxietyIn a week where we’re talking about anxiety, how could we not have our anxiety ace, Heather, back (she’s ace at tackling anxiety… not being anxious). Heather joins us for some supplemental chat about prayer and anxiety as we join up psychological insight from the world of therapy with the theological insights we’ve seen in Luke 12.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a r...2023-02-1241 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Prayer & AnxietyWe continue the topic of persistent prayer into Luke 12 where Jesus brings up fear and anxiety. We look at the way Jesus offers a different way from our anxiety ridden world, which is unlocked by understanding our value to the Father, and faith. We also get caught up in some chat about the unforgivable sin.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subs...2023-02-1247 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Persistent PrayerIt’s time for a new theme in the Becoming Like Jesus series: persistent prayer. As we enter Luke 11 we get the Lord’s prayer and an unusual story about banging down your neighbor’s door at midnight to get bread (something we can all associate with). Jesus weaves together warnings and encouragements about our hearts and faith that should get us moving towards praying, and sitting at his feet like Mary.
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This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portlan...2023-02-051h 01House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Simplicity of PurposeOur Becoming Like Jesus series continues into Luke chapter 10. Our conversations about simplicity, possessions and priorities culminates in the issue of knowing and following purpose. Jesus sends people out again, and as they return teaches about his own purpose - which should be reflected in them too. Then we get purpose in action, as the Samaritan shows up the religious elite, and Martha battles with the purpose of an evening with Jesus.
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This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in P...2023-01-291h 01House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Simplicity of PrioritiesOur Becoming Like Jesus series continues into the second half of Luke 9. We have an interesting chat about the nature and purpose of the strange mountaintop experience called the transfiguration. What follows looks like a strange mix of scenes, but we spot the pattern of priority and purpose - which Jesus finishes the chapter by speaking two with three great warnings about disrupted discipleship.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve e...2023-01-2257 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Simplicity of PossessionsWe’re back into the Becoming Like Jesus Series, picking up Luke’s gospel again. We dive into the first part of chapter 9. There is a massive interplay between faith, and being sent on mission - a test for the disciples with a practical lesson for us. Jesus puts the issues squarely in front of us asking what we think will enhance and save our life, and what will diminish and lose it… it’s not what our culture has taught us to answer!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.2023-01-151h 04House of Learning PodcastMary & JosephHappy Advent! As we marinade in the events of Jesus’ birth, anticipating and celebrating the incarnation, we focus in on two key characters: Mary and Joseph. They display some of the most surprising and profound love and faith anywhere in the Bible - join us as we explore the kind of people they were, why God chose to use them, and what it was like for them in this time and culture.
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This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Por...2022-12-111h 04House of Learning PodcastTo Forgive is Divine“To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Or so said Alexander Pope. But God calls us humans to forgive and to forgiveness too. So why is it so hard to extend and truly receive forgiveness? Join us as we talk about the connections between love, forgiveness, shame and more; and get practical about growing in forgiveness.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review...2022-12-0450 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Seeds and FruitIt’s the last week of Becoming Like Jesus! We unpack the parable of the sower and consider how the Spirit might be applying the challenges of this epic teaching to us at the point in our journey as God has been scattering seed about becoming like Jesus these past weeks.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with someon...2022-11-2858 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Expectations & ForgivenessBecoming Like Jesus continues in Luke 7 as we read along together. After the amazing Centurion’s faith last week, we see faith and expectation play out again with John the Baptist. Then Luke gives us round two of love and compassion as he turns the tables on shame when a prostitute comes to dinner.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and sh...2022-11-2047 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Faith & CompassionBecoming Like Jesus continues in Luke 7 as we read along together. After lots of Jesus’ teaching we’re back to the action with two surprises: amazing faith and amazing compassion. We have surprising characters center stage too in a Roman centurion and a grieving and destitute widow.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with someone.
And if you h...2022-11-1351 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Judging OthersBecoming Like Jesus rolls into the second half of Luke 6 as we read along together. Jesus is teaching about two ways, and two types of people and this week the focus shifts from self to others. We chat about whether it’s ever right to judge, the place of good fruit, and resilience.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share...2022-11-0648 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Upside DownOur Becoming Like Jesus series continues into Luke 6 as we read along together. We talk about Jesus’ method for re-forming values, identity and purpose. Jesus sets up the questions, and his teaching provides the framework in which we can discover the answers – and a high point is the beatitudes, where we see just how different God’s way is to what we might think.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed...2022-10-301h 06House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Agent ProvocateurOur Becoming Like Jesus series continues into Luke 5 as we read along together. This week is full of scandal and surprise… at least it was in Jesus’ time. We dig into things to appreciate Jesus the challenger, and think about how his challenges can shape us.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with someone.
And if you have...2022-10-231h 02House of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Two ResponsesAs we continue reading Luke together in the Becoming Like Jesus series, we dive into some big themes from Jesus’ temptation to a breakout of healing. This week presents two influences, and two responses. The coming Kingdom of God battles against the kingdom of darkness, and people demonstrate polar opposite responses as they choose sides. Are we becoming like Jesus in the ways we are influenced, and like the response Jesus affirms?
Follow along with the Becoming Like Jesus series at www.ajesuschurch.org/becominglikejesus
Thanks for listening to this episode of the Hou...2022-10-1643 minHouse of Learning PodcastBecoming Like Jesus: Reading for formationWe're back! As we kick off a series at AJC all about Becoming Like Jesus, and reading Luke's gospel together along the way, we have a conversation about what it looks like to read the Bible for formation. How do we move from consuming more input, to a dynamic interaction with God that moves at the pace of God's leading? We also chat through this week's reading with a few tips on what to look out for.
Follow along with the Becoming Like Jesus series at www.ajesuschurch.org/becominglikejesus
Thanks for listening t...2022-10-1051 minHouse of Learning PodcastWho is the Spirit pt. 2Recently on Sunday we taught about who the Spirit is – the powerful personal presence, and his role in the Trinity and in God’s work, which includes us! We promised a follow up class for this huge question, and this is part two of that recording, including some Q&A time.
There was a book recommendation you can find here: God’s Relational Presence
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
...2022-07-1554 minHouse of Learning PodcastWho is the Spirit pt. 1Last Sunday we taught about who the Spirit is – the powerful personal presence, and his role in the Trinity and in God’s work, which includes us! We promised a follow up class for this huge question, and this is part one of that recording.
There was a book recommendation you can find here: God’s Relational Presence
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed thi...2022-07-121h 13House of Learning PodcastWho is Juneteenth for?This weekend it's Juneteenth, a holiday with a long history, but only recently with wider exposure. Because it’s about slavery, a topic that has generated some nervousness for some recently, people can be nervous about what it is and who it’s for. Actually, it’s a very Kingdom-shaped celebration. So, of all people, Christians can get excited to rejoice and reflect this Juneteenth.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’v...2022-06-171h 08House of Learning PodcastFaith and suicideThere’s a lot of talk about our current mental health crisis, with growing awareness around the issues. Shouldn’t Christians be really good at this stuff? What does ‘good’ even look like? Join us as we press into the issues around suicide with Angela and Vuong who are both involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Check out the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for more information, resources, events and more.
You can also explore more about having better conversations with people around you at https://se...2022-05-201h 04House of Learning PodcastWhat is a deacon?Deacons are a prominent role in the New Testament, but not one that many churches talk much about today. We have deacons at Westside… so, who are these mysterious people and what do they do? Join a few of them as we chat about this, and how God is at work in them as they serve in this way.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please...2022-05-061h 00House of Learning PodcastNews from UgandaAfter a Hear the Cry trip to Uganda we chat with some of the team about what is going on with our partners there (Elephante Commons and Develop Sustainability), and debrief what they learned from the people they met in Uganda and how God is using them… which means taking a quick look at why we do short term trips.
To find out more about these locations, trips, and how to get involved, check out the Hear the Cry website.
We also mentioned a great book - When Helping Hurts
2022-04-2951 minHouse of Learning PodcastThe cry of derelictionOn Good Friday we contemplate Jesus’ cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” What was going on here? Was Jesus really forsaken by the Father – did he turn his face away? How does this experience of suffering affect us? Is it part of the retribution for sin, or is it part of Jesus healing us? Join us as we discuss (not answer!) these questions and more.
If you haven’t been able to go through the stations of the cross in the building, you can go through the digital version here - an excellen...2022-04-1557 minHouse of Learning PodcastAre we built for longing?Dominic Done is back on the podcast! We chat about the journey he’s been on starting Pursuing Faith, engaging questions around doubt and deconstruction. Part of responding to our questions is recognizing the deep longing in our souls that invites us on a journey of becoming our true self… which is the topic of his new book.
If you haven’t taken a look, check out all the resources at Pursuing Faith
And you can pre-order Dom’s new book Your Longing Has a Name here now.
Thanks fo...2022-04-0851 minHouse of Learning PodcastWhy is there suffering?Why is there suffering in the world? This question hounds us, especially those who want to see this as a world shaped by a good God. This week we get to ask this question to Michael Lloyd from Wycliff Hall in Oxford University - who has researched and thought about this extensively.
To catch more of Michael’s great approach to things, check out his book: Cafe Theology
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in P...2022-04-011h 03House of Learning PodcastHow do you hear God’s voice?Once again, Sunday threw up a big question... if you are going to obey the Spirit's voice, how do you hear what He has to say to you? So we wind back the clock to last time we talked about this, and chat about some of the varieties of how we hear from God and discern God's voice.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leav...2022-03-2559 minHouse of Learning PodcastPorneia & 423This week we have special guest Dave from 423 Communities as we continue a conversation that came up on Sunday about pornography. This is such a nerve for many people, and statistically likely to be much bigger around us that we might think. We talk about the effects of porneia, God’s response, and how the church has a part in helping.
To find out more about 423 Communities, check out the website - https://www.423communities.org/
And to read Dave’s excellent book, take a look on Amazon here
T...2022-03-181h 04House of Learning Podcast1 Timothy: Deception & ChildbearingAre men naturally less gullible than women? Is a woman’s salvation dependent on having children? This is the last in our series on gender and ministry, and we finish up 1 Timothy 2 as Paul refers us back to Genesis - yes: once again, it’s all about Genesis!
We’ve put together a suggested reading list.
You can view the 1 Corinthians class handout here as well.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Chu...2022-02-2548 minHouse of Learning Podcast1 Timothy: Quietness & SubmissionAre women supposed to be silent in church? Has God ordained women to always be in submission to men? Join us as we continue our series about gender and ministry as we dive back into 1 Timothy 2 to unpack some important, and often misunderstood, verses.
We’ve put together a suggested reading list.
You can view the 1 Corinthians class handout here as well.
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This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Orego...2022-02-181h 15House of Learning PodcastGender & Ministry Class pt 3Here’s the last week of our gender and ministry class - so it’s a long one! We continue in the New Testament by first taking a look at Paul’s vision for mutual interdependence in 1 Corinthians, followed by a look at 1 Timothy. We run out of time to say everything we had planned about Paul’s comments in Timothy, so look out for a top up podcast next week. There are a lot of comments from people at the end - sorry if it’s hard to hear!
Thanks for listening to this episode of...2022-02-112h 13House of Learning PodcastWho was Phoebe?Phoebe is only mentioned once in the New Testament, but we actually learn a lot about her. Who was this woman, what was her connection to Paul and Rome, and what does she reveal about the ways people were involved in the life of the church and its mission in the First Century?
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This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and...2022-02-0440 minHouse of Learning PodcastGender and Ministry Class part 2bHere’s part two of this week’s class. We take a look at what we find in the New Testament as the Spirit is poured out on both men and women, and how the gifts are distributed to these two groups. We take a look at some examples of people who are gifted to function in different areas of the life of the new church.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If y...2022-02-0247 minHouse of Learning PodcastGender and Ministry Class part 2aIt’s the second week of our Gender & Ministry Class. In part one we crack open the New Testament with a look at the culture of the First Century that informs how we read, and we take a look at how Jesus interacts with the gender norms of his time in the gospels.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and sh...2022-02-021h 07House of Learning PodcastGender in the Old TestamentHow do gender roles manifest in the Old Testament? We take a closer look at whether male and female merely reflect the pattern of patriarchy in the culture, manifest God’s ideals, or reveal a journey that’s somewhere in between. This is a follow up to our class looking at gender and ministry.
Scriptures we referred to today include:
Genesis 1-3 - creation and fall
Exodus 15 - Miriam the prophet
Exodus 20 (and Prov 1) - listen and obey both parents
Numbers 27 - women inheriting property
Judge...2022-01-281h 13House of Learning PodcastGender and Ministry Class part 1bNow part two of the first week of our Gender and Ministry class - if you haven’t listened to part 1… just go back an episode. In this section we talk about gender in the Ancient Near Eastern cultures, and dive into the ground zero of God’s design for male and female: Genesis 1-3.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, su...2022-01-2654 minHouse of Learning PodcastGender and Ministry Class part 1aSomething a little different for the podcast - we did a class! House of Learning just started a class on Gender and Ministry. In this first part Richard and Molly share a bit of their story, unpack a little bit of the history of feminism, and look at translation as an example of getting the narrative wrong. Not quite a podcast, but this is a good spot for the recording if you couldn’t make it - and we’ll post each week’s class in two parts… be warned it’s longer than usual!
Thanks for...2022-01-261h 02House of Learning PodcastMLK and AJY (Audio fixed)We introduce the newest member of the A Jesus Youth team - Tom - and learn a little about what God is doing amongst our students. Together we also take a look back to Martin Luther King Jr. and how he was a great example of something that ought to be core in our theology… but seems to struggle to make it into our lives.
We mentioned a favorite song: The Way of the Cross
Yes, it’s a bit old and cheesy!
We also mentioned the top notch movie: Selma
2022-01-2647 minHouse of Learning PodcastMLK and AJYWe introduce the newest member of the A Jesus Youth team - Tom - and learn a little about what God is doing amongst our students. Together we also take a look back to Martin Luther King Jr. and how he was a great example of something that ought to be core in our theology… but seems to struggle to make it into our lives.
We mentioned a favorite song: The Way of the Cross
Yes, it’s a bit old and cheesy!
We also mentioned the top notch movie: Selma
2022-01-2147 minHouse of Learning PodcastImaginative Prayer (again)In imaginative prayer we invite God to meet with us and speak to us as we allow our mind’s eye to be directed by the Spirit, often as we allow ourselves to be saturated by a biblical image and explore how God wants to connect with us through it. It can be fun and creative, and a powerful way for us to engage our responsiveness to God. (This is a re-release from 2019)
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This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Chu...2022-01-1428 minHouse of Learning PodcastA Retrospective & ProspectiveThe last year brought so much change, and provoked so many questions. Throughout God has been leading and speaking, so we’re joined by our lead pastor and lead elder - people who listen to God for our church a lot! We look back at what God has been teaching us, how he’s been shaping this church, and what we’re sensing he has in store coming up.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
2022-01-011h 01House of Learning PodcastAdvent: Prince of PeaceOur final Advent installment: the Prince of Peace. This is a ubiquitous phrase at this time of year, but it doesn’t mean “it’s Christmas, chill out!” Instead it is a call to find our place in God’s cosmic project of shalom making. Today we focus on peace-training as part of discipleship, and some of the things that can derail being people of the prince of shalom.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
...2021-12-2038 minHouse of Learning PodcastAdvent: Everlasting FatherIt’s week three of Advent – time to consider our Everlasting Father. Join four dads as we take a look at what type of father God is, and especially how being a dad has brought things into focus and challenged us. We chat especially about a father’s role in comforting, encouraging and exhorting. We also talk about exploring this aspect of God if you either cannot have kids, or did not have a good father yourself.
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This podcast is produced by West...2021-12-101h 21House of Learning PodcastAdvent: Mighty GodWe continue our Advent conversations by exploring Isaiah’s “Mighty God.” We focus especially on Mary, whose deep appreciation of God allows her to worship with profound prophecy and to navigate following God’s work in her life with astonishing humility and grace. Mary is definitely in the ‘trust zone’ with a mighty God - and we talk about how we can join her there.
Here is a link to Molly’s very useful list of emotions that you can use in the recommended practice: https://images.app.goo.gl/qWu4qYR5d7mCosvz6
Thank...2021-12-061h 06House of Learning PodcastAdvent: Wonderful CounselorAdvent is here! Our first pitstop: Isaiah’s announcement of a wonderful counsellor (not a therapist). We drill down into how we can overcome some of our cultural and personal barriers around submitting to authority to relate to God in this way, and step into the freedom that having a wonderful counselor brings.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and sh...2021-11-3045 minHouse of Learning PodcastSabbath RestWe’re called to rest and sabbath… but adding it to your to-do list can feel like the opposite of creating space! We dive a little deeper into what the call to sabbath is, and talk practically about the obstacles to this special God-given rest.
Westside had a season of pressing into sabbath, with some great meditations and interviews to inspire creativity as we try to grow in this practice. You can find these resources at westsideajc.org/sabbath
We’ve got a couple of book recommendations if you want to dive into...2021-11-191h 04House of Learning PodcastHoly Spirit PowerWhat’s it like when the Holy Spirit’s power shows up? Does it come with sparkles, or does it feel ‘normal’? Being empowered by the Spirit shows up all over our lives, so we can expect a lot more than we think. Join us as we try to chat through some of that variety.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subs...2021-11-0548 minHouse of Learning PodcastGod, Church & DisabilityAfter chatting about unanswered prayer last time… there’s an elephant in the room: disability. Once we’ve reshaped our expectations of unanswered prayer and healing, our attitudes and practices towards those with disability in their story ought to be our next question. So, we caught up with Shelbi and Ryan (in the past) to revisit the topic of theology and disability.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed th...2021-10-2934 minHouse of Learning PodcastWhy Doesn‘t God Answer Every Prayer?The Bible has some dramatic healings and answers to prayers… but our experience is not that it always goes that way. Why does this happen? Are we praying wrong? Do we need more faith? Is God out to lunch? Everyone wrestles with these questions sometimes - so join us as we do just that!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscr...2021-10-2252 minHouse of Learning PodcastPentecost as Old Testament FulfilmentAt Pentecost, events are tripping! But what if it was more than just surprising, but was actually a coordinated plan for God to show us how he is undoing brokenness and restoring the plans he established all the way back in Genesis? I guess we’d better dive back there and have a look…
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscrib...2021-10-0855 minHouse of Learning PodcastAnxiety, Depression & HopeContinuing our conversations about navigating the extra challenges we’re all facing in these weird times we welcome another guest therapist. Join us as we talk through the ways God shows us a way forward with trust, hope and joy as our journey runs into things like anxiety, isolation and depression.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with s...2021-10-0242 minHouse of Learning PodcastIntegrating GriefIt’s been a tough season: there’s a lot of pain and grief around! We tend to avoid grief, and leave those who are grieving alone. But the Bible makes a lot of space for grief and lament - in fact Jesus shows us how to grieve well. So, how can we learn to step into grief to create Kingdom health in ourselves and others?
We recommended the excellent book Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Hayley Barton.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcas...2021-09-2437 minHouse of Learning PodcastRelating to the SpiritThe Bible talks about the Holy Spirit being with people, in them, filling them… and more. So, what’s the difference? The key: the Spirit is a person, and these words all point to relationships. Join us as we unpack the varieties of relationship, and what it means for us as we follow our God.
2021-09-1751 minHouse of Learning PodcastBiblical vs Cultural Justice part 2It’s the last part of our series on biblical justice! We’ve unpacked a biblical theology of justice to give us a framework for interacting with justice issues in our culture. Today we interact with postmodern aspects of justice in culture, including critical race theory.
Here’s a couple of great books/articles to help you keep learning in this area:
Tim Keller - Generous Justice
Mae Elise Cannon - Evangelical Theologies of Liberation and Justice
Esau McCaulley - The CRT Debate Distracts...2021-09-1040 minHouse of Learning PodcastBiblical vs Cultural Justice part 1We’ve spent weeks unpacking a biblical theology of justice, and now we bring it all together and ask what this teaches us about justice conversations in our culture right now. This week we look at cultural and political notions of justice that center on freedom and fairness. Since this is a long conversation, part two is next week!
Here’s a couple of great books/articles to help you keep learning in this area:
Tim Keller - Generous Justice
Mae Elise Cannon - Evangelical Theologies of Liberat...2021-09-0351 minHouse of Learning PodcastBiblical Justice: Restoration, Generosity & MercyToday we unpack our last three characteristics of biblical justice: restoration, generosity and mercy. These three are perhaps the most distinct from secular justice, and especially important for us to pay attention to! Join us as we chat about the Father’s heart of justice.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with someone.
And if you ha...2021-08-271h 10House of Learning PodcastBiblical Justice: Power, Mercy & AdvocacyEveryone has an opinion about what justice looks like right now - and Christians are disagreeing a lot! So, what does the Bible have to say? Join us as we continue to unpack a biblical theology of justice – today we look at power, mercy and advocacy.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share with someone.
And if you...2021-08-211h 01House of Learning PodcastBiblical Justice: Community and ResponsibilityThere are SO many statements flying around saying ‘that’s just,' ‘that’s not fair,' ‘justice means we should…’ and on and on. But why do Christians disagree on these things so much at the moment. Well, we’re diving into a short series to answer that question - unsurprisingly, the Bible has the answers we need!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review, subscribe...2021-08-1343 minHouse of Learning PodcastSamson, Suffering, and RedemptionSamson was used by God – God’s Spirit came on him in mighty ways! But Samson was also more than a little chequered of a character… in fact, he was downright awful at times. Join us as we explore the role of suffering in Samson’s life as God tries to use Samson, but also reach and restore him to the Father. (This episode is an old recording, so the class noted was a couple of years ago - sorry!)
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced...2021-08-0647 minHouse of Learning PodcastThe Holy Spirit in the Old TestamentWe’re used to spotting the Holy Spirit as a major character in the New Testament… but is he a new character there? Does the Spirit have a big role to play in the Old Testament, and are there things to learn about him there? Of course, we think the answer is yes, but it's surprising how we often don’t treat the Spirit or our Bible that way!
We referenced a few resources today:
There’s a previous episode about Samson, no longer available on iTunes - so we’re going to rerelease it next week...2021-07-3050 minHouse of Learning PodcastBiblical CommunityAt Westside, we value living life together in community and in light of this past year and a half, it's exactly what we need. Join us this week as we talk about the Bible says about community and doing life with other followers of Jesus.
Resources referenced:
Philemon 4-8
https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/phm/1/1/s_1133001
Titus 2:3-5
https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/tit/2/3/s_1131003
N.T Wrights Commentary on Philemon
https://www.amazon.com/Colossians-Philemon-Testament-Commentaries-Numbered/dp/083084242X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=nt+wright+commentary+on+co...2021-07-2345 minHouse of Learning PodcastGender Stereotypes in the BibleAs we follow Jesus, men should be biblical men, and women biblical women...right? Or is that even a thing? Join us to chat through how the bible approaches male and female, masculine and feminine, and just how different this can be from the culture we live in!
We recommended Preston Sprinkle’s excellent book Embodied, which has some great discussions about gender.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland, Oregon.
If you’ve enjoyed this...2021-07-161h 17House of Learning PodcastDoes It Matter If Communion Is Actual Bread?Here’s a conundrum you might have thought of during lockdown while you do communion at home… does it matter how you do it? Join a theologian, philosopher and biblical studies scholar as we chat (and disagree) about the answer (well, a bit).
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church College, based at Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland Oregon.
AJC College train and mobilize the next generation of Kingdom leaders through an accredited four-year degree in Biblical Studies with an e...2021-07-091h 06House of Learning PodcastWhy Do Communion Every Week? Part 2We take communion every single week - and it’s a beautiful moment of encountering God as he presents himself to us in the bread and the cup. But… we don’t often get the time to unpack what it looks like for God to show up in communion. Today is part two of a conversation about what it looks like to appreciate this amazing God moment!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church College, based at Westside: A Jesus Church in Portla...2021-07-0237 minHouse of Learning PodcastWhy Do Communion Every Week? Part 1We take communion every single week - and it’s a beautiful moment of encountering God as he presents himself to us in the bread and the cup. But… we don’t often get the time to unpack what it looks like for God to show up in communion. Today is part one of a conversation about what it looks like to appreciate this amazing God-moment!
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church College, based at Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland Oregon...2021-06-2532 minHouse of Learning PodcastIs Baptism a Big Deal?Baptism is something we do pretty regularly at church… so it seems important. But you often get baptized when you are new to following Jesus, and you might have a lot of questions! So whether you are looking back on your baptism to enrich your appreciation of God meeting you there, or wondering about it for your future, join us as we dive a little deeper (pun intended!).
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church College, based at Westside: A Jesus Church in...2021-06-1843 minHouse of Learning PodcastWhat To Do When Your Rabbi Goes AwayWhen Jesus said, “follow me” it came with expectations: being a disciple was a special, well-defined relationship in the first century. So when Jesus left and said, “go and make disciples” this once again came with some specific expectations. Join us for some chat about what this would have been like, and what it means for us today if we are disciples.
Thanks for listening to this episode of the House of Learning podcast.
This podcast is produced by A Jesus Church College, based at Westside: A Jesus Church in Portland Oregon.
AJC College...2021-06-1152 minHouse of Learning PodcastMy Lord and My GodWhen Thomas utters the immortal words, “My Lord, and my God” it reveals a moment of encounter, transformation and worship. So what can Thomas teach us about worship? Join us as we bite off more than we can chew, but still manage to have some great chat about some of the answer!
We mentioned a piece of music to listen to alongside reading Luke 1:46-55. It was Arvo Pärt’s Magnificat. Here’s a link to a recording on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04XKjal0grI
Thanks for listening to this episode of the Hou...2021-05-2851 minHouse of Learning PodcastThe Empty Tomb - History or Myth?The gospel story reaches a climax with the realization that the tomb is empty - Jesus has risen! This is everything to Christians, and the reality of this event was the foundation of the church. But is it an article of faith, or an event of history… how does it stand up to scrutiny?
There are a ton of great books on this, here are a few to get you started if you enjoyed this topic:
F.F. Bruce - The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?
Lee Strobel - The Case for Christ
Richard Bauckham...2021-05-2157 min