Don't Take a Vacation from Spiritual Growth

Don't Take a Vacation from Spiritual Growth

Courtney and Melissa discuss the importance of pursuing spiritual growth during the summer, despite disrupted routines. They talk about practices and strategies that have helped them grow during the summer and on vacation. They recommend lots of resources for summer drop-in Bible studies and encourage listeners to consider living missionally by hosting a study or discussion group in their homes with their neighbors. Resources Mentioned: * Disciplines of Devotions [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F8RHPYXF/?tag=thegospcoal-20] series * Navigators Topical Memory System [https://www.navigators.org/resource/topical-memory-system/] * Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood [https://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-Season-Motherhood-Eleven-Week/dp/160142650X/?tag=thegospcoal-20] by Melissa B. Kruger * Remember Your Joy: A Bible Study of Salvation Stories in the Old Testament [https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Your-Joy-Salvation-Testament/dp/173345859X/?tag=thegospcoal-20] * Fruitful: Cultivating a Spiritual Harvest That Won't Leave You Empty [https://www.amazon.com/Fruitful-Cultivating-Spiritual-Harvest-Leave/dp/1433592215/?tag=thegospcoal-20] * Turn Your Eyes: A Bible Study on the Psalms [https://www.amazon.com/Turn-Your-Eyes-Bible-Psalms/dp/1433598582/?tag=thegospcoal-20] * In View of God's Mercies: The Gift of the Gospel in Romans [https://www.amazon.com/View-Gods-Mercies-Access-Gospel/dp/1087747481/?tag=thegospcoal-20]by Courtney Doctor * Growing Together [https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Together-Mentoring-Coalition-Initiatives/dp/1433568012/?tag=thegospcoal-20]by Melissa B. Kruger * The Pursuit of God [https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-God-Updated-W-Tozer/dp/1622452968?tag=thegospcoal-20] by A. W. Tozer Related Resources: * Summer Vacation Is No Sabbath [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/summer-vacation-is-no-sabbath/] * Scroll Less, Stroll More: A Summer Challenge to Leave Your Phone at Home [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/scroll-less-stroll-more/] * The Benefits of Going to Church on Vacation [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/benefits-church-vacation/] DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What tends to happen to your routines for spiritual disciplines during the more relaxed summer months or in vacation seasons? Why do you think that is? 2. What distractions most often compete for your attention during the summer? 3. How have relationships with other believers helped sustain your faith during times when your own spiritual disciplines felt inconsistent? 4. How can women’s ministry leaders or churches help people remain connected and spiritually encouraged during less structured seasons like summer? 5. How can we pursue spiritual growth from a place of delight in Christ rather than guilt or pressure? 6. What opportunities will you have (in your neighborhood, while traveling, through hospitality, or in everyday conversations) to invite others into spiritual conversations or Christian community? 7. What is one step you want to take this summer to cultivate deeper communion with God?   Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com/] and use our code DEEP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Deep Dish! Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com/] and use our code DEEP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Deep Dish!   Click here [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcwomen/] for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition! Click here [https://www.tgcw26.com/event/45cdc8e9-e0ab-4967-83cb-624ce8ec3f32/home] for more information about our upcoming conference, TGCW26, June 11-13 in Indianapolis! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI: Friend or Foe? (with Michael Graham)

Melissa Kruger and Courtney Doctor talk with Michael Graham about what Christians should know about artificial intelligence. They discuss the benefits it could bring to society and how they personally use it. They consider theological categories and questions for how to evaluate which uses are helpful and which are dangerous. Finally, Graham explains the Christian Benchmark project and how it exposes the inherent biases in AI platforms. Key Terms: * Generative AI: Large language models (LLM) that can simulate conversation and create audio, video, and text based on prompts (ChatGPT, Anthropic, Claude, and Grok). * Agentic AI: Systems that are semi- or fully autonomous and thus able to perceive, reason, and act on their own [https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/agentic-ai-explained]. Resources Mentioned: * What Is Tri-perspectivalism [https://frame-poythress.org/what-is-triperspectivalism/]? by John Frame * Mindset [https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322//?tag=thegospcoal-20] by Carol S. Dweck * AI Christian Benchmark Project [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/ai-christian-benchmark/] Related Resources: * ‘Not a Child-Safe Technology’ [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/parenting-age-ai/] * 3 Questions to Evaluate AI Use [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/questions-evaluate-ai-use/] * Can You Rely on AI for Theology? [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/recorded/can-you-rely-ai-theology/] DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Before listening to this episode, what was your view of AI (benefit, threat, or neutral)? Has that perspective changed? 2. What are some ways AI can be used for good in work, ministry, or everyday life? 3. Are there certain uses of AI that concern you? Why? 4. Why is it important to realize that AI isn’t a neutral source? How does that shape the way you interact with it? 5. How can we help younger generations develop discernment in addition to skills when it comes to AI? 6. What does it look like to trust God’s sovereignty in times of rapid cultural and technological change? 7. What’s one step you would like to take in using technology intentionally and faithfully?   Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com/] and use our code DEEP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Deep Dish! Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com/] and use our code DEEP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Deep Dish!   Click here [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcwomen/] for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition! Click here [https://www.tgcw26.com/event/45cdc8e9-e0ab-4967-83cb-624ce8ec3f32/home] for more information about our upcoming conference, TGCW26, June 11-13 in Indianapolis! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When You (or a Friend) Face Unwanted Divorce (with Vaneetha Risner and Wendy Alsup)

Courtney Doctor talks with Wendy Alsup and Vaneetha Rendall Risner about their experiences of divorce. They share the Scripture passages that helped them keep going and talk honestly about what to say (and what not to say) to someone going through a divorce. They explain why it can be hard for a newly divorced Christian to go to church and why it’s vital to go anyway. Resources Mentioned: * Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption [https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Through-Fire-Memoir-Redemption/dp/140021811X/?tag=thegospcoal-20] by Vaneetha Rendall Risner * I Forgive You [https://www.amazon.com/Forgive-You-Finding-Forward-Forgiveness/dp/1784986860/?tag=thegospcoal-20] by Wendy Alsup Related Resources: * This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce [https://www.amazon.com/This-Was-Never-Plan-Separation/dp/1802544143/?tag=thegospcoal-20] by Vaneetha Rendall Risner * Hope When Your Spouse Divorces You [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/hope-divorce/] * Why I’m Going Back to Church After My Divorce [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/church-after-divorce/?queryID=3d71972e0c28218c9e94507dfe22b959] * A Case for Being Honest with Your Elders [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/honest-with-elders/] * When Shame Remains After Divorce [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/shame-divorce/] DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. How has divorce affected your family or close friendships? What were the hardest spiritual or emotional struggles you or those close to you faced during that season? 2. What promises of God are especially important to remember when walking through deep disappointment or loss? 3. If you knew a friend was going through a divorce, what might hold you back from reaching out to her? 4. In what ways have you seen the church support women (and their children) walking through unwanted divorce well? In what ways could the church provide more support or encouragement to the marginalized or hurting? 5. What suggestions from this conversation helped you understand how to walk with friends or family navigating divorce? 6. In seasons when you cannot control outcomes for your family, what does it look like to trust God? 7. What does gospel hope look like in the aftermath of something as painful as divorce? Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com/] and use our code DEEP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Deep Dish! Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com/] and use our code DEEP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Deep Dish!   Click here [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcwomen/] for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition! Click here [https://www.tgcw26.com/event/45cdc8e9-e0ab-4967-83cb-624ce8ec3f32/home] for more information about our upcoming conference, TGCW26, June 11-13 in Indianapolis! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Worship Is More than a Playlist (with Emily Jensen)

Melissa and Courtney talk with Emily Jensen about how to broaden our understanding of worship to think of it as a response to God’s worth. Worship is more than singing on Sunday morning, but corporate worship is an essential part of the worship God desires. They talk about the role our feelings should play in how we think about worship and how to offer up the mundane moments of our lives to the glory of God. Resources Mentioned: * Worship (Disciplines of Devotion) [https://www.amazon.com/Worship-Disciplines-Devotion-Emily-Jensen/dp/B0FTZFL4G2/?tag=thegospcoal-20] by Emily A. Jensen * “God Moves In a Mysterious Way [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8k1pQxT2lI]” * “Holy Forever [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ngQETNj_bE]” * “We Rest on Thee [https://hymnary.org/text/we_rest_on_thee_our_shield_and_our_defen]”   Related Resources: * A Biblical Theology of Worship [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/podcasts/tgc-podcast/a-biblical-theology-of-worship/] * Leading Worship Is Worship [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/leading-worship-worship/] * Gospel-Shaped Worship [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/series/gospel-shaped-worship/]   DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What is a hymn or worship song that has encouraged you recently? 2. Before listening to this episode, how would you have defined worship? How does the definition that worship is “our response to who God is and what he has done” expand or challenge your thinking? 3. What are some everyday moments in your life that could become opportunities for worship? What could that look like for you? 4. What’s the difference between using worship to change our feelings and worshiping because God is worthy, regardless of how we feel? 5. What has helped you approach worship, even when you feel anxious, distracted, or spiritually dry? 6. What modern-day idols compete for our worship? 7. How does the image of a child offering imperfect efforts to a loving parent shape the way you think about your own worship? Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com/] and use our code DEEP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Deep Dish!   Click here [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcwomen/] for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition! Click here [https://www.tgcw26.com/event/45cdc8e9-e0ab-4967-83cb-624ce8ec3f32/home] for more information about our upcoming conference, TGCW26, June 11-13 in Indianapolis! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Recognizing Our Own Marks of Righteousness

Courtney and Melissa talk about how to recognize and repent of the ways we may be relying on self-righteousness rather than the righteousness of Christ. They talk about tribalism, what happens when debatable issues are treated as primary, and how, paradoxically, the areas where we feel despair may point to areas of pride or self-righteousness in our lives. Related Resources: * Finding the Right Hills to Die On [https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Right-Hills-Die-Theological/dp/1433567423/?tag=thegospcoal-20] by Gavin Ortlund * The Sticky Sin of Always Being Right [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/sticky-sin-always-right/] * Self-Righteousness Wears Many Disguises [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/self-righteousness-wears-many-disguises/] DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What are some things that come to mind (such as good practices or habits) that can quietly become a source of pride? 2. In what ways do you notice self-righteousness creep into Christian community in subtle or socially acceptable ways? 3. Are there particular areas of obedience or conviction where you feel tempted to compare yourself with others? What might that reveal about your heart? 4. In Philippians 3:4–10, Paul calls his impressive spiritual résumé “rubbish” compared with knowing Christ. What does this passage teach us about the difference between our righteousness and Christ’s righteousness? 5. Why do you think it can be so easy to trust in our own efforts rather than resting in Christ’s righteousness? 6. What are some red flags in your thoughts, attitudes, or conversations that might signal self-righteousness creeping in? 7. How can Christian communities encourage holiness and obedience without creating an atmosphere of pride, comparison, or tribalism? Let this Mother’s Day be a reminder that she deserves care, too. Head to cozyearth.com [https://cozyearth.com/] and use our code DEEP for an exclusive 20% off, and if you see a post-purchase survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth from us here at The Deep Dish!   Click here [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/tgcwomen/] for more information about Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition! Click here [https://www.tgcw26.com/event/45cdc8e9-e0ab-4967-83cb-624ce8ec3f32/home] for more information about our upcoming conference, TGCW26, June 11-13 in Indianapolis! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.