Daily Thunder Podcast
With a passionate heart for Christian discipleship, the majesty and centrality of Jesus Christ, and the life-changing power of the Gospel, the Daily Thunder podcast is a daily teaching series from the Bible to exhort, equip, and encourage Christians down the Narrow Way of the Cross. Taught by Eric Ludy, Nathan Johnson, and other guests – now you can have a little of the Ellerslie Discipleship boom, grit, and oomph thundering daily in your earbuds.
1379: To Pergamum, From … (Revelation 2:12) // To the Seven Churches 11 (Nathan Johnson)
Jesus introduces Himself to the Church in Pergamum as the One who has a sharp two-edged sword—in so doing, He prepares them for the sharp rebuke He is about to give. In this study, Nathan examines Revelation 2:12, talks about the setting and culture of Pergamum, and why that is so significant as Jesus introduces Himself to this church in modern day Turkey.
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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-di...
1378: Not Home Yet // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 06 (Eric Ludy)
There is an applause of this earth and an applause of Heaven. So many itch for the applause of this earth and exchange out the luster of a heavenly reward for temporary pleasure in this life. The Christian is supposed to see the grand beauty of the Heavenly Country and willingly forsake the temporary applause of earth in order to get the eternal applause of the King of Kings.
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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 – lea...
1377: Fearlessly Faithful (Revelation 2:10–11) // To the Seven Churches 10 (Nathan Johnson)
After commending the Church in Smyrna, Jesus reminds them of two key truths: do not fear and be faithful. In this study, we explore these two powerful key truths found in Revelation 2:10–11 and Jesus’ promise to the overcomers that they will not see the second death if they live fearlessly faithful.
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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 Difficulty” PDF by going...
1376: Alarm Code 1201 // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 06 (Eric Ludy)
So often we consider our trials and our sufferings random bits of misery, rather than as very purposeful training tools for our equipping. On the final Apollo 11 simulation test run prior to the actual rocket launch, the Simulation Support team through a very difficult test at the astronauts—Alarm Code 1201. The astronauts failed this final test and were forced to launch into space on the great moonwalk mission with failure as the final taste in their mouths. But, this seemingly innocuous test was anything but. This final simulation prepared the men that first landed on the moon to succeed in...
1375: The Suffering of Saints (Revelation 2:9-10) // To the Seven Churches 09 (Nathan Johnson)
The Christian life was never intended to be easy—Jesus promised trials, difficulty, suffering, and persecution. Yet it is in those very difficulties that Christians have the grace and presence of God to triumph. In this study, Nathan explores the suffering of the believers in Smyrna and gives encouragement to us when we face similar difficulties (including God's silence in the suffering).
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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/
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1374: The Country of the Seeing // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 05 (Eric Ludy)
The old adage is, “too heavenly minded to be any earthly good.” Is is possible to be too heavenly minded? And is being heavenly minded a harmful thing to your usefulness here on earth? This message dives into the profound impact “heavenly mindedness” has upon our earthly and heavenly success.
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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: htt...
1373: To Smyrna, From … (Revelation 2:8) // To the Seven Churches 08 (Nathan Johnson)
In one of only two letters where Jesus didn’t say anything negative, the believers in Smyrna were a church facing great difficulty, suffering, and persecution. In this message, Nathan talks about the city of Smyrna, why they would have been hostile to Christianity, and discusses the two key descriptions that Jesus gives to the church of Smyrna and why those characteristics of Jesus mean so much to believers today.
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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 pro...
1372: 32 Minutes of Silence // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 05 (Eric Ludy)
When God appears silence, how do we respond? Do we panic or do we trust that—though He be silent—He is nonetheless faithful and true? There were thirty-two incredible minutes during the historic Apollo 8 mission where radio communications with Houston went silent. These thirty-minutes are an extraordinary parallel with our own spiritual lives.
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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 Th...
1371: Blue Pomegranates // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 04 (Eric Ludy)
God supplied us all an imagination, but shocking few use their imaginations at all. And those that do utilize it, tend to misuse its power. But, if we as Christians are going to awaken our imaginations as we should, we can find no greater way to wield it than to envision the wonders of Heaven.
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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 Wal...
1370: Respond and Repent (Revelation 2:4-7) // To the Seven Churches 07 (Nathan Johnson)
After confronting the church in Ephesus about leaving their first love, Jesus gives a command to respond, repent, and return. In this message, Nathan examines Revelation 2:4–7 and Jesus’ exhortation to return to your first love and His incredible promise if you do.
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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 Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/
» For more...
1369: Walk Before You Run // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 04 (Eric Ludy)
NASA’s motto in the 1960’s was “walk before you run.” They were handed an impossible mission from the President of the United States—“put a man on the moon before the end of the decade”—and this couldn’t be carried out with one single burst of enthusiastic fervor. Instead, it needed to be broken into a thousand strategic steps forward. What if we, as believers, adopted the very same “little by little” approach to “conquering the dark realm” in our lives?
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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Eric, Leslie, Nathan, and the tea...
1368: You Left Your Love (Revelation 2:2-4) // To the Seven Churches 06 (Nathan Johnson)
In Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus, he gives a commendation—a list of “well dones”—and yet the church is lacking something significant: they left their first love. Rather than an insignificant issue, this is at the center of what the Christian life is supposed to be. In this message, Nathan examines Revelation 2:2–4 and discusses both the good and the bad of the Ephesian church, and how they relate directly to our key issue in today’s Church.
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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ell...
1367: Maximum Happiness // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 03 (Eric Ludy)
As humans, we are prone to seek our happiness in this realm and we often seek to gain it as soon a possible. The Christian is supposed to think and reason differently. The Christian realizes that the happiness in this earthen realm (though not bad) is fleeting. Whereas, the happiness in the Heavenly realm is forever. In other words, it’s a much better, longer lasting investment. This message is about coming up with the maximum happiness investment strategy—a happiness that will never ever fade.
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» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in perso...
1366: To Ephesus, From … (Revelation 2:1) // To the Seven Churches 05 (Nathan Johnson)
In Jesus’ first letter to the seven churches, He introduces Himself to the church at Ephesus. In this message, Nathan talks about the ancient city of Ephesus, how Jesus introduces Himself to the church there, and what that means practically 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 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...
1365: The Awe of the Assignment // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 03 (Eric Ludy)
Like the mission NASA received from President Kennedy in 1962—“put a man on the moon before the end of the decade!”—our mission as Christians is also impossible. And we simply can’t do it in our own human strength. But, the key is found in realizing that He CAN do it. When we finally come to the end of ourselves and our ability (realizing that we CANNOT), then we are prepared to allow God (the only One who CAN) the position of Savior, Deliverer, and Doer of the Impossible. He desires to do it in and through us.
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1364: He Who Has an Ear (Revelation 2-3) // To the Seven Churches 04 (Nathan Johnson)
One of the key repeated phrases in all seven letters is “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” But what does it mean and why is it so critical for each church (and us) to hear? In this study, we examine the “pieced ear” of God’s servants and why listening to Him means we must walk in obedience to Him.
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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...
1363: The Bucket List // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 02 (Eric Ludy)
We’ve all heard about making a bucket list. But, how many of us have ever considered making a bucket list for Heaven? This is a remarkable meditation about not wasting the little time we have here on Earth, but, instead, maximizing it for the eternity we will share with Jesus.
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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 goi...
1362: The Confrontation of Comfort and Correction (Revelation 1-3) // To the Seven Churches 03 (Nathan Johnson)
Jesus is confronting the seven churches in Revelation 2–3 with either comfort or correction—and in doing so, provides the solution to their situation—Himself. In this study, we examine why Revelation 1 is so essential to understanding how Jesus presents Himself to the seven churches and why He alone is the solution to where they are at. The amazing truth is that the same concept is true today—Jesus wants to comfort and correct us and be the solution to our lives. The question really is, will I allow the Lord Jesus Christ to confront my life and be the solution...
1361: Gravitas // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 02 (Eric Ludy)
If we are going to win this spiritual battle, then we must possess “the growl.” There needs to be a fervency and a forthright faith in our praying and in our living—an expectation that the God of the Bible is our God. It’s high time that the Gravitas of the Kingdom of Heaven returns to this earth in and through the saints 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://ell...
1360: Seven Letters (Revelation 2–3) // To the Seven Churches 02 (Nathan Johnson)
Revelation 2–3 are Jesus’ letters to seven key churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). In this study, we examine the seven letters, their structure, their similarities and differences, and what the overarching message of the seven letters are. If you want to understand any of the individual letters, we must first gain an overarching understanding of all seven.
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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 “Fi...
1359: The Jessica Conundrum // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 01 (Eric Ludy)
How refreshing to turn our gaze heavenward and behold His glory. In this message, Eric lifts our spiritual chins upward to see the beauty, power, and majesty of Jesus Christ—stirring within us the desire to be where He is.
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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 inform...
1358: A Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1) // To the Seven Churches 01 (Nathan Johnson)
As we begin our series on the Letters to the Seven Churches in the book of Revelation, we need to first understand the big picture view of Revelation and what the whole book is about—a revelation of Jesus Christ. In this study, we explore the background of Revelation, why these seven churches are important, and why we must study the Bible principally.
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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-di...
1357: The Fringe of His Cloak // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 01 (Eric Ludy)
If you are needing a refresher course on the majesty and awe-striking wonder of the Almighty, this is a message for you. In fact, this may be the series for you. If the hem of His garment can bring healing, what if we pursued even more of this amazing God we serve?
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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 Walkin...
1356: Ellerslie 2.0 Recap and What's Next for Daily Thunder (Eric Ludy + Nathan Johnson)
In this special episode, Eric and Nathan chat about the recent Ellerslie 2.0 Beta program and what is coming up next for Daily Thunder.
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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
...1355: Out of the Burning Wreckage // More Radical 12 (Eric Ludy)
In this final episode Eric shows how God turns even the greatest tragedies into His greatest triumphs.
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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 have been bless...
1354: Facing Death // More Radical 11 (Eric Ludy)
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...
1353: The Submission Commission (Eph. 5:21) // Gospel Shaped 10 (Nathan Johnson)
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...
1352: In the Fear of Christ (Eph. 5:21) // Gospel Shaped 09 (Nathan Johnson)
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...
1351: Plugged Full of Arrows // More Radical 10 (Eric Ludy)
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...
1350: The Stand-In // More Radical 09 (Eric Ludy)
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...
1349: The Always Thankful Life (Eph. 5:20) // Gospel Shaped 08 (Nathan Johnson)
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...
1348: Cutting the Lifeboat // More Radical 08 (Eric Ludy)
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...
1347: The All-Consuming Melody (Eph. 5:19) // Gospel Shaped 07 (Nathan Johnson)
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...
1346: Crossing the Foaming Heluk // More Radical 07 (Eric Ludy)
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...
1345: The Outflow of the Infilling (Eph. 5:19-21) // Gospel Shaped 06 (Nathan Johnson)
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...
1344: The Nest Stirrer // More Radical 06 (Eric Ludy)
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...
1343: Removing Every Distraction (Eph. 5:18) // Gospel Shaped 05 (Nathan Johnson)
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...
1342: The Tarop Tim // More Radical 05 (Eric Ludy)
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...
1341: The Will of God for Your Life (Eph. 5:17) // Gospel Shaped 04 (Nathan Johnson)
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...
1340: The Pacing Lion // More Radical 04 (Eric Ludy)
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...
