Become New with John Ortberg
Religion og åndelighetJoin John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.
Siste episoder av Become New with John Ortberg podcast
- 27. Status Won't Make Us Shine (00:13:49)
The way of Jesus is the way of service. Chasing status is a hollow pursuit that Jesus turned on it’s head. Though equal with God, Jesus took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2). He invites us to follow this same course of service, shining not by demanding to be seen but by giving ourselves away in love. To “shine like stars” is not about fame, wealth, or applause; it is about reflecting the humble, sacrificial light of Christ in our daily lives. Become New is here to help you grow spiri...
- 26. The Two Questions That Shape Every Day (00:13:02)
Today, John asks two simple but life-shaping questions: What am I learning? and What am I teaching? We often think of learning as classes, books, and information, but the most important learning is about how to live: how to love, how to know Christ, how to shine in the ordinary moments of our day. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe ...
- 25. A Kingdom Perspective on American Politics (w/Michael Wear) (00:23:44)
Today is our day to shine, and where better to shine than the world of politics? John is joined in today’s video by Michael Wear. He’s the CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and author of The Spirit of Our Politics. In this conversation, Michael reminds us that politics isn’t just a stage where others act and we observe; in a democracy, we are participants. When people of faith treat politics like a place where ‘shining’ doesn’t apply, Michael suggests, we leave behind an open...
- The Antichrist Explained: What the Bible Really Says (00:22:32)
What does the Bible actually say about the Antichrist, Armageddon, and the end times? In this episode, John Ortberg clears away the clutter of speculation—like presidential “666” theories, modern rapture charts, or end-times guessing games—and returns us to the words of Scripture itself. Drawing from 1 John, Revelation, and the prophets, John shows how terms like “Antichrist” and “tribulation” were meant for real people facing real suffering, not just future predictions. Along the way, you’ll...
- How Christians Should Be Thinking About the Rapture (00:23:25)
John addresses a surge of rapture predictions (Sept 23rd) and reminds us the word “rapture” never appears in the Bible. He traces failed predictions from Millerites in 1844 to Harold Camping in 2011, showing how speculation damages faith. Revelation, he explains, was not written as a secret code for our timeline but as pastoral encouragement for persecuted believers. Babylon symbolized Rome, 666 symbolized unfaithfulness, and the central message is endurance and hope: God is redeeming creatio...
- 24. Let Me Take You to the Amen Clinic (00:13:13)
Paul says to shine, we need joy… so joy is what we study today. Paul wrote to the Philippians from the grimmest of circumstances - in jail, facing death, brutally beaten, and yet his letter was filled with calls to rejoice. How could that be? Paul seems to have figured out the secret that joy isn’t rooted in success or control. It’s grounded in something much deeper: that Christ has risen and death itself has been defeated. 00:00 — What do I actually know to be true? 00:28 — Why science can’...
- 23. What do you know to be true? (00:12:52)
Paul tells the Philippians: “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” John takes this personally and asks: “What do I actually know to be true?” He names five convictions — life is good, I ought to pursue the good, despair is wrong, I need help, and people are immensely valuable. These aren’t abstract doctrines but lived truths that can guide each moment. To shine is to be activated by what you know, not paralyzed by what you don’t. 00:00 — What do I actually know to be true? 0...
- 22. How to Read the Bible Like Dallas Willard (00:14:01)
Rest in this truth today: We don’t actually need to know any more than we know right now to have a good day. That’s the concept John covers in today’s video, along with some wisdom about how to read your Bible in such a way that will change your life. 00:00 — Two truths that bring freedom today 00:21 — Why you don’t need more knowledge to live well 01:04 — What Paul means by “not attained yet” in Philippians 3 01:50 — Why thinking you’ve arrived is spiritual danger 03:48 — How Dallas Willard...
- 21. The Art of Spiritual Forgetting (00:14:26)
Today, we’re talking about the rule of forgetfulness. Paul had a few words to say on the matter. In Philippians 3, he says he presses on, “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” That’s spiritual forgetting. Paul wasn’t a proponent of amnesia or repression or wishful thinking, but rather a disciplined letting go that makes room for healing and growth. That’s what we can choose to take part in, too. 00:00 — What is the art of spiritual forgetting? 00:35 — Why forg...
- 20. How to Truly Know Christ (00:13:43)
In Philippians the word “Knowing” takes on a new meaning. Paul uses the word to distinguish the collection of facts from intimate understanding. What Paul calls “knowing Christ” isn’t merely theology to be recited; it’s participation: sharing in his life, teachings, sufferings, and resurrection. When we put the gleam of résumé-building accomplishments beside the surpassing worth of this present, personal relationship with Jesus, the choice becomes clear: let go of what inflates pride so we ca...
- 19. Why You Need a Failure Resume (00:13:26)
Today’s reflection comes out of a rich conversation with friends (John, Jim, Alyssa, and Kevin) where they interact honestly with Paul’s words in Philippians 3. Paul once carried a “resume” filled with achievements, education, and status. But after meeting Jesus, he called all those accomplishments *scubala (*garbage) compared to knowing Christ. That shift was not about denying his abilities but recognizing they could never define his worth or bring him fulfillment. Become New is here to hel...
- 18. The Freedom of Rewriting Our Resume (00:14:30)
We all carry an invisible resume, trying to prove our worth through titles, accomplishments, or image. Paul names his old resume — circumcision, tribe of Benjamin, Pharisee, zeal — then calls it all loss compared to Christ. John shares his own “impressive-itis” and failures, then draws from Henri Nouwen and John Wesley’s line “I submitted to be more vile” to show the new resume: weakness, humility, and love. To shine is to let go of self-promotion and live from God’s love. Become New is here...
- 17. Why Love Always Feels Risky (00:14:53)
Shining for Jesus is like burning, it gives off light but not without pain. Paul tells the Philippians that Epaphroditus (his brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier) nearly lost his life serving the cause of Christ. This was not a story of calm detachment or stoic control. Instead, Paul openly describes homesickness, distress, grief, and anxiety. Real love is messy, and real relationships are risky. Yet, it is in that risk, not in protecting ourselves, that we understand more about God. Beco...
- 16. Everyone Needs a "Soul Friend" (00:13:53)
Life is deep, complex, and beautiful. In many ways life has a way of giving us more depth, complexity and beauty if we let it. But it’s important to remember that becoming deep is not about pretending to be better or wiser than we are. Paul wrote about this to the Philippians, where he reminded them that Jesus showed the way—humbling himself, becoming a servant, and pouring himself out for others. To follow Jesus means turning from shallow living, where vanity and ego dominate, toward a life ...
- 15. A Blessing from Ireland (00:12:44)
Safe places and safe people are a good thing… but there’s something even better. John brings today’s teaching from Ireland, and fittingly so, our learnings are inspired by Saint Patrick. As a teenager, Patrick was kidnapped, enslaved, and suffered greatly. In the middle of his suffering, though, he discovered God’s presence. Patrick wrote that he would pray constantly during the daylight hours. He described that sometimes in a day, he would say as many as a hundred prayers, and at night nearl...
- A Prayer for Our Nation Following the Shooting of Charlie Kirk (00:02:35)
Today, we grieve. We pause. We remember. We mourn. And we cling to the hope of Jesus that transcends all. Join John and Become New in this short video for some thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s assassination, remembering September 11th, and reckoning with darkness. As a community, we are praying for our nation and for God to bring comfort, peace, and healing.
- 14. What Philippians 4:13 Really Means (w/Laura Turner) (00:10:50)
One of the most famously quoted verses in the Bible comes from Paul: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s not only often quoted, it’s arguably even more commonly misunderstood. Today, Laura Ortberg Turner joins us with John to unpack what Paul truly meant with these words. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WITH EXTRA GOODIES at becomenew.com/subscribe GE...
- 13. We Should Groan, Not Grumble (00:14:45)
Paul calls the Philippians to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” for God is already at work within them. The life that shines is not grumbling or self-promoting but open to God’s Spirit. John contrasts grumbling vs. groaning, shows how Moses’ radiant face came from being with God, and ends with the blessing: “The Lord make His face shine upon you.” To shine is to live from God’s shining face turned toward us. 00:00 — What does it mean to shine with inner light? 00:32 — Why so...
- 12. Double Down on the Cross (00:13:44)
Philippians 2 is called the “hinge of history.” Jesus, though in very nature God, humbled Himself to death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him, giving Him the name above every name. John calls this the greatest strategy for life: double down on the cross. True greatness and true life flow from self-giving love, and the simple but ultimate confession: Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:00 — What is the greatest strategy for life? 00:22 — What is the most important phrase Christians can say? 01:16 — P...
- 11. Philippians 2 and the True Use of Privilege (00:15:05)
Jesus, though in very nature God, did not cling to privilege but poured Himself out, becoming a servant. Paul lived this by refusing to claim his Roman citizenship until after suffering in prison, choosing solidarity with the powerless. Greatness in God’s kingdom is not about grasping but giving, not about climbing status ladders but coming down them. The “great inversion” is joyfully using gifts and privilege for others, not yourself. 00:00 — What does Philippians 2 teach about privilege? 00...
- 10. The Greatness of Coming Down the Ladder (00:14:22)
We all long for greatness, but Jesus redefines it. In Philippians 2, Paul quotes one of the oldest hymns about Christ: though He was in very nature God, He poured Himself out, became a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross. Greatness is not climbing the ladder of success — it’s coming down the ladder in self-giving love. This reveals God’s true nature: to serve, not to grasp. 00:00 — What does Philippians 2 teach about greatness? 00:20 — Why we all want to be winners 01:10 — The p...
- 9. What Dallas Willard Taught About Glory (00:13:02)
The light we have to shine comes from God. We are like the moon; our radiance comes from another source. In Philippians 2, Paul says that we are given gifts like encouragement in Christ, comfort from His love, fellowship with the Spirit, and tenderness and compassion. These qualities reflect who God is, given to us to know how to live, act, and love. Just as Jesus glowed with light on the Mount of Transfiguration, we too are invited to carry his presence into our daily relationships. Become ...
- 8. Find Meaning in Your Suffering (00:15:03)
“This is our day to shine.” Not tomorrow, not in easier circumstances, not when life finally evens out. Today. But the temptation is to believe that it would be easier to shine if life was a bit easier. Paul talks about that temptation in Philippians 1:27: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Whatever happens (good or bad, easy or hard, expected or surprising) Paul is saying that shining in the light of Christ is not about the absence of pain. It ...
- 7. John Ortberg's Thoughts on Death and Doubt (00:12:32)
Paul’s words — “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain” — confront us with life’s deepest questions. But what if we struggle to believe? Through C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, George MacDonald, and others, we see that even when certainty wavers, we can choose to live as if the gospel is true. Faith is not just mental assent; it’s the decision to live a life worth following, even amid doubt and darkness. 00:00 — What does “to live is Christ, to die is gain” mean? 01:05 — Why is it harder today to bel...
- 6. How to Find Hope Today (00:14:14)
Today we continue our series, Shine, as we explore the book of Philippians and understand how to stand out as the light of Jesus in our daily lives. Let’s start the week with some good (but not always easy) news: your circumstances do not have to determine your perspective. As we continue through Philippians this lesson is a consistent theme. Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time. TEXT US at 855-888-0444 EMAIL US at connect@becomenew.com GET OUR WEEKDAY EMAILS WI...