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.
1388: Just One More // Spiritual Lessons from Desmond Doss (Eric Ludy)
This powerful message is the first in Eric’s foray into single-episode studies on magnificent men or magnificent events and how they showcase the Kingdom of Heaven. Desmond Doss did his amazing work in secret and now every one of us stands back in awe at what he accomplished. There is something very heavenly about that.
See more of these single episode studies in the series Spiritual Lessons From . . . Well . . . All Sorts of Things.
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1387: Just Like Jezebel (Revelation 2:19–21) // To the Seven Churches 15 (Nathan Johnson)
The name Jezebel often evokes images of evil, compromise, and sexual immorality … and strangely, Jesus uses it to describe a member at the church in Thyatira. In this study, we explore Revelation 2:19–21, and Jesus' forceful statement that the church in Thyatira has embraced or become passive with idolatry and sexual immorality and should repent. And sadly, it is the very thing we need to hear as well.
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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: htt...
1386: Homesick for Eden // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 08 (Eric Ludy)
According to Scripture, each of us were actually “in” Adam when he went rogue and sinned in the Garden of Eden. According to the laws of inherited genetics, we were there—inside him—when he did the dastardly deed. But, to contemplate that strange fact further, if we were in him when he sinned, then we were in him where he sinned. In other words, we have been to the Garden of Eden before. And that explains why we all inherently long to be back in the place that Scripture refers to as Paradise.
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1385: To Thyatira, From … (Revelation 2:18) // To the Seven Churches 14 (Nathan Johnson)
While we don't know much about the city of Thyatira and the church therein, Jesus' gives one of the strongest statements to the seven churches. In this message, we discuss Revelation 2:18, what we know about Thyatira, and the amazing introduction of Jesus to this church—the One who has eyes like fire and feet like burnished bronze.
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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 Key...
1384: Into the Sea of Crises // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 08 (Eric Ludy)
Apollo 11 is known as the “purpose mission” of all the NASA space missions. The goal was to get boots on the moon, and Apollo 11 was the big moment when NASA finally gave it a try. The journey of an astronaut to the moon is an amazing parallel with the Christian life—it is fraught with resistance. The enemy always seeks to offset, discourage, and hamper the “purpose mission” in our lives. In 1968, the Soviet Union launched Luna 15 with the singular agenda of stealing the thunder of NASA’s biggest accomplishment.
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1383: Repent, or I’ll Fight (Revelation 2:16–17) // To the Seven Churches 13 (Nathan Johnson)
Jesus issues a sharp rebuke to the church in Pergamum and commands them to either repent or He will come and fight them. In this study, we examine Revelation 2:16–17, Jesus’ solution to Pergamum’s problem and His warning if they do not respond.
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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 mor...
1382: Blue Pomegranates, Again // Cheerful Meditations About Heaven 04 + 07 (Eric Ludy)
When we recorded episode four "Blue Pomegranates" we had some audio issues, so Eric re-recorded it as episode 7 "Blue Pomegranates, Again."
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 a...
1381: I Know Your Compromise (Revelation 2:13-15) // To the Seven Churches 12 (Nathan Johnson)
While Jesus encourages the church in Pergamum for their faith and holding fast to Him, He gives a sharp rebuke regarding their compromise specifically in the areas of idolatry and sexual immorality. In this study, Nathan dives into Revelation 2:13–15, the doctrine of Balaam, and how we as Christians are called to be different than the world.
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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...
1380: The Smylie Mailbox // Spiritual Lessons from the Apollo Space Program 07 (Eric Ludy)
The Apollo 13 mission ranks as one of the most intriguing and sensational events in US history. And in the midst of the drama was a man named Ed Smylie. Not many know about Ed Smylie, but what he architected during the crisis ranks as one of the most extraordinary engineering feats of all time.
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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...
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.
------------
» 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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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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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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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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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...
