Daily Thunder Podcast

This is the epic story of how Stanley Dale died in the Wickboon Bowl in 1968. It is truly an invigorating tale, demonstrating how grace works in the believer's life in the most dire and danger-filled moments of life.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/

» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/

» For more information about Dai...

In Ephesians 5:18–21, Paul describes the evidence and reality of being filled with the Holy Spirit with four aspects: worship and praise (internally and corporately), thanksgiving, and submission. In this study, Nathan dives into Ephesians 5:21 and discusses the concept of submission, why it is evidence of being filled with the Spirit, and what it looks like practically in the lives of believers.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/

» R...

The “fear of the Lord” is absolutely essential to the Christian life. Throughout Scripture, the command to fear God is accompanied by tremendous blessing. Yet for many Christians, we think of fear as something negative and bad rather than how the Bible describes it. In this study, Nathan talks about the amazing and awe-inspiring fear of the Lord, what it is and isn’t, how to cultivate it, and ultimately why it is so foundational and is a mark of being filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:21).

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person...

In this episode Eric shares the inspiring story of Stanley Dale’s bewildering and courageous response to being shot through with five man-killing arrows in the heart of the jungle — and surviving. Everyday people absent of the power of Christ Jesus would fall to pieces in such circumstances, but the Christian, the one indwelled by the power of the Almighty, is able to work exploits even in their most weakened moments.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming disci...

In this episode Eric discusses the idea of the “stand-in” in Scripture—someone who is willing to do the hard work though it ultimately will be credited to someone else. This was the role of John the Baptist who famously stated, “I must decrease, that He would increase.” May this also be the declaration of our souls as Christians.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/

» Receive our free “Five...

As Paul gives the practical outflow of a life filled with the Holy Spirit, he not only talks about the “all-consuming melody” of our lives but one that is also always filled with thanksgiving. In this message, Nathan Johnson explounds upon Ephesians 5:20 and the incredible reality that we can, in fact, give thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be...

In this episode Eric discusses the incredible ability of missionaries throughout history to move towards challenges as opposed to running from them. Of course, this ability isn’t derived from the Christian's own human gumption—it's a gift of the Spirit of God.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/

» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/

» For m...

As Paul describes what it looks like to be filled with the Spirit, he gives four aspects (outflows) of the indwelling life of Christ. In this study we examine the first two: 1) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, and 2) singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. One is external and public, the other is internal and private. Join Nathan in this study of Ephesians 1:19–21 as we examine the first two aspects of the Christian life and what it means to be all-consumed with a melody.

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» Take the...

In this episode Eric investigates the astounding courage and boldness of men and women of God throughout these past 100 years.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/

» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/

» For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily

» If you hav...

In Ephesians 1:18, Paul sets up a contrast with alcohol, explaining that a Christian is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. But what does it look like when someone’s life is filled with the Spirit? In Ephesians 1:19–21, Paul gives four “outflows” of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. In this message, Nathan gives a broad overview of these four aspects and talks about four observations when you look at all four together.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcom...

In this episode Eric discusses the ethics of foreign missions. Is it our business as Christians to poke our nose into the cultural and religious affairs of others? Should we just mind our own business? Or is our business the actual invading of foreign places where the Gospel has not yet been heard and delivering the Gospel in order to wholly alter that culture?

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com...

In this study from Ephesians 5:18, Nathan dives into Paul's exhortation that we should "not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit."

Far more than a command not to be drunk, this study shows that Paul is getting to the heart of every person's life—we must remove EVERY distraction and sin and anything else we might turn to in hopes it will "save" and comfort us. What hope do we have in our lives?

The simple answer is Jesus and the infilling of His Spirit in our lives. Wa...

In this episode Eric unpacks the extraordinary providence of God as shown both throughout Biblical history and in Christian missionary history over the past 2,000 years. Using the story of famed missionaries Don and Carol Richardson and their work in the 1960’s with the head-hunting Sawi people as his muse for this message, he showcases the awe-striking way God works to provide light for a people that are seemingly lost in total darkness. It is deeply moving and truly astounding.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the tea...

In this study from Ephesians 5:17, Nathan freshly contrasts the wise and foolish person and explains that because the time is short that we must know God's will for our lives. But what is His will? More than a list of "do this, don't do that," God's will is actually rather simple to understand.

In this message, Nathan will expound on what it means to know God's will for your life and you will ultimately discover that when we ask "What is God's will for my life?" the question should be flipped and turned into a declaration: "God's...

In this episode Eric explores the unique enthusiasm and passion that missionaries of the past have had for heading out into the wild and doing difficult life-threatening things—things that cause the modern North-American Christian to shrink back in fear. Is it possible for each of us as believers today to have the same excitement—the same daring—the same readiness in us?

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discip...

Time is running out and life is short. In this message from Ephesians 5:15–16, we examine Paul's reason for why we, as Christians, are called to live circumspect ("walk carefully") and be wise (rather than foolish) in how we live. Paul says we are to redeem the time because the days are short. Join Nathan as we talk about the importance of redeeming the time, what that means practical for our lives, and why it's a blessing to know that time is short.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Les...

In this episode Eric explores the concept of being spiritually readied and toughened by the Spirit of God for the calling that each of us as believers has received. A Christian has been supplied everything necessary to be fully prepared to face all the challenges ahead — the question is, does the Christian know that?

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/

» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking...

We continue our study in Ephesians 5:15–16 examining the "ways of the wise." Contrasted with the "fool" and "unwise," Paul exhorts us to live in wisdom. In this study, Nathan talks about what Scripture says about wisdom, how we can continually live in wisdom, and how that practically changes our spiritual lives day-to-day.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/

» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficul...

In this episode Eric dives into the strange and perplexing concept of spiritual taste buds. When we enter the Kingdom of Heaven via faith in Jesus Christ, there is a process of being recalibrated in our desires, our drives, and our determinations. In a sense, God gives us new taste buds to appreciate the exquisite feast He has prepared for us — a feast that we would not appreciate or be able to stomach outside His supernatural enablement.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the team at Ell...

In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul delivers a sobering warning to believers: look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. But what does it actually mean to live as “unwise” (a fool) according to Scripture?

In this study, we examine what the Bible says about foolishness and uncover four key features that mark the life of a fool. If you’re convinced you don’t have any foolishness within you, take heed, as that is typically the first sign of foolishness; so let this message help you honestly evaluate whether yo...

This episode lays the foundation for this gritty and soul-stirring series. God providentially builds His men and women for the key swings in history — the key moments in the grand story. However, God doesn’t just build His heroes to share the Gospel Truth—He also prepares the lost to respond to the Gospel Truth. Buckle your seat belt. This is going to be a powerful series!

What would it look like if we were always ready for the greatest difficulties and trials? What if, as Christians, we handled impossible situations with a smile and readiness to triumph?

In this episode, Eric and Nathan talk about being "10G Ready" and how it should be the result of our position in Christ Jesus.

Please note: we will be taking a couple weeks off from Daily Thunder as we prep our new series which start the middle of February.

» Discover more about Ellerslie 2.0 and see "behind the scenes" as we build out t...

In this episode, Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson discuss the ancient concept of a hobelar, why it is so important for the days in which we live, and why Ellerslie 2.0 desires to build a group of men and women who will function as hobelars in their world. If you desire for God to use you to make an impact in this world, this episode will give you a great encouragement and sparks some ideas of how to take a step forward.

» Discover more about Ellerslie 2.0 and see "behind the scenes" as we build out the information and d...

The Trojan Horse is the iconic concept that you can sneak something in that eventually kills and destroys. While he doesn't use the term, the writer Jude talks about men sneaking into the church and causing a distortion of the Gospel and a division of the Body of Christ.

In this episode, Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson discuss the book of Jude, the concept of the Trojan Horse as it relates to the modern church and what this means for Ellerslie 2.0. In short, Ellerslie's desire is to build up men and women who stand strong, contend for...

As the book of Jonah comes to a close, the climax of Jonah’s rebellion against God is confronted by a question and an interactive object lesson. God uses Jonah’s glee and anger over a plant to show why it’s important for Him to have mercy on the city of Nineveh. In this final study of the series, we examine the profundity of the poisonous plant and scarlet worm, why the book ends with the word “many cows,” and are personally confronted in our own lives with the central questions of the book.

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» Take t...

Encore: a repeated performance.

As we enter the beginning of 2026, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore.

Inured for Danger (Eric Ludy)

Originally recorded in 2021 as a part of his series Daring to Do as Stanley Dale, Eric draws on the boldness and bravery of the fearless missionary ventures to Irian Jaya...

Everything in the book of Jonah has been swimming toward this end: the reason why Jonah attempted to flee to Tarshish, why he resisted going to Nineveh, and now why he is angry at God. And the reason may surprise you … Jonah is frustrated that God is too good, too merciful, too loving.

In this study, we examine Jonah 4:1–4 and Jonah’s anger, the reason behind it, and what it all means for our lives today.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Elle...

Encore: a repeated performance.

As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore.

Peaceful Intimacy (Nathan Johnson)

Originally recorded in 2021 as a part of his series The Christian Mindset from Philippians 4:4–9, we are taking the first two episodes to review what we’ve covered thus far. In this epis...

A bonus Christmas greeting from Eric. Since episode 1325 had a serious audio problem, Eric decided to jump in front of the mic one more time before Christmas and dish out some extra Holiday cheer. May the coming, the working, the dying, the rising, and the ruling of our Lord Jesus be deeply cherished by us all this Christmas season!

In this special Christmas reflection, Eric and Nathan briefly talk about their plans, how they approach a new year, and what they are most excited for in 2026.

Please know that we are taking a couple weeks off to rest with family, and we will resume our Daily Thunder series on January 12, 2026.

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Exciting Specials

We love talking about the concepts of Clapham and Cambridge and how the body of Christ can work together.

In this special episode, Eric and Nathan talk about these terms, where they come from, and why they are so important to our vision of Ellerslie 2.0.

» Discover more about Ellerslie 2.0 and see "behind the scenes" as we build out the information and details in the coming weeks.

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Exciting Specials

The entire book of Jonah hinges upon a single concept: God’s mercy. The Hebrew word hesed (chesed) is at the focal point of Jonah, and if we miss the depth and importance of this concept, we will miss why Jonah is so rebellious to preach to Nineveh.

In this study, Nathan walks through Scripture discussing the mercy and lovingkindness of God, why this attribute is at the heart of God, and what it means for our lives today.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and...

Encore: a repeated performance.

As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore.

Going After More (Leslie Ludy)

Originally recorded in 2023 as a part of her series Victorious Living, Leslie explores what it means to remove our “safety cones” of self-protection and self-justification, and pour out everything for the gl...

If you survey the modern church, you will quickly find that we are fractured into our denominations and often dogmatic about secondary issues. Yet we are told that the church is to be one body—unified in Christ Jesus.

In this episode, Eric and Nathan discuss the difficulty of denominationalism and the danger of dogmatism … and how they see a way forward where the Church walks in truth, unity, and unrelenting in its focus and proclamation of Christ Jesus.

» Discover more about Ellerslie 2.0 and see "behind the scenes" as we build out the information and detai...

The greatest revival recorded in Scripture is found in Jonah 3—the entire city of Nineveh repents and turns to God.

In this study, we examine Jonah’s second commission, the response of Nineveh, God’s mercy to Nineveh’s repentance, and conclude with five practical thoughts for what it means for us today. This is the heart and climax of what God wanted Jonah to do, and the outcome was far more than anyone could have expected.

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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at E...

Encore: a repeated performance.

As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore.

I Work at Starbucks (Eric Ludy)

Originally recorded in 2024 as a part of his series Spiritual Lessons from the Time of Nero, Eric lays the foundation for understanding this extraordinary time period of history (from 64...

To use a space analogy, most Christian education programs "orbit" far out into space, exploring the outer reaches of knowledge. But our heart is to keep our orbit tight around a central focus: Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Eric and Nathan talk about the basic structure of Ellerslie 2.0 content, why the orbiting language is helpful, and what makes Ellerslie 2.0 different than the typical seminary program.

» Discover more about Ellerslie 2.0 and see "behind the scenes" as we build out the information and details in the coming weeks.

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Exciting Specials

Let’s talk about the fish. While this tends to be everyone’s focus in the book of Jonah, the richness of the message is not about the fish but what happens from within the belly of that beast. In this study, we examine Jonah 2:1–10 and specifically talk about what Nathan calls the “positive parenthetical poetry of praise” (i.e., Jonah’s prayer). And while he does (finally) talk about the fish, Nathan’s emphasis is more on Jonah’s prayer and a key practical lesson for our lives we discover from it.

Encore: a repeated performance.

As we approach the end of 2025, we decided to do an encore of eight episodes from the past six years. With a new intro for each episode recorded by Eric Ludy and Nathan Johnson, we hope these encores will stir your soul toward Jesus and introduce you to previous series that you can explore.

Naming Idols (Nathan Johnson)

Originally recorded in 2022 as a part of his series Soul Drift … Idolatry doesn’t have to be a mysterious, abstract, or elusive concept. Scripture makes it clear what idols are and if w...

One of Ellerslie's passions since the beginning is what we call the "return of majesty." We have a longing to see the majesty of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and God's Word return to the stage of time once again.

In this episode, Eric and Nathan talk about the return of majesty, how it applies to the Ellerslie 2.0 program, and announce several new details about the program.

» Discover more about Ellerslie 2.0 and see "behind the scenes" as we build out the information and details in the coming weeks.

» Listen to Eric's original "return of ma...