Real Life Theology Podcast
We renew the teachings of Jesus to fuel disciple making. We envision disciple-making disciples among all nations and ethnic groups. The Renew.org Network Podcast champions all biblical truth, including hard topics, by sharing discussions, webinars, public presentations and other similar resources.
Episodes
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
12 min
Dallas Willard's Insights on Discipleship: A Review of 'The Scandal of the Kingdom' In this Renew book review, John Whitaker explores Dallas Willard's posthumous work, 'The Scandal of the Kingdom,' which dissects the parables of Jesus to offer a deeper understanding of discipleship and life in the Kingdom of God. Released in 2024, the book builds on Willard's profound teaching legacy, focusing on the faith of Christ and how the parables challenge our preconceived notions. John sheds light on the book's key themes and shares thought-provoking quotes, making it a must-read for those interested in spiritual growth and discipleship.
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3 days ago
3 days ago
12 min
In this episode on the Real Life Theology Podcast you’l hear a review of the book ‘The Anxious Generation’ by Jonathan Haidt. The book shows evidence-based case that Gen Z’s surge in anxiety and other mental-health problems aligns with the rise of smartphones and social media.
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4 days ago
4 days ago
24 min
This episode features a review of Review of Andrew Rillera’s ‘Lamb of the Free’.
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Jul 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
13 min
In What Happens Next: A Traveler's Guide Through the End of the Age, popular writer Max Lucado walks through what he calls "heaven's timeline" in order to bring the reader hope in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. New Testament theologian John Whittaker offers an overview of Lucado's book, including its strengths and weaknesses.
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Jul 28, 2026
Jul 28, 2026
13 min
Is Christian faith dying in the Western world? Have the “new atheists” succeeded in souring Christianity for thinking people? There are actually some fascinating signs of a resurgence of interest in Christianity. John Whittaker reviews Justin Brierley’s The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again.
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Jul 23, 2026
Jul 23, 2026
19 min
This episode features a RENEW.org Review of Richard and Christopher Hays’s ‘The Widening of God’s Mercy’. For more information view this article by John Whittaker: https://renew.org/review-of-the-widening-of-gods-mercy/
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Jul 21, 2026
Jul 21, 2026
16 min
A Critical Review of 'Letter to the American Church' Movie Visit: Renew.org for a written in depth review. John Whitaker provides an in-depth review of 'Letter to the American Church,' a movie by Eric Metaxas that parallels issues faced by the American church today with the German church during Hitler's rise and the Chinese church under Mao. The film, a follow-up to Metaxas's bestselling book, aims to rally the American church against what it perceives as a critical juncture resembling past authoritarian takeovers, citing concerns like abortion, gender ideology, BLM, and pandemic-related mandates. Whitaker expresses discomfort with the movie's hard-selling approach, its fear-based, alarmist tone, and the unbalanced comparisons it draws. He acknowledges some positive aspects, such as the call to justice and awareness of political harm, but criticizes the film's militancy, lack of nuanced discourse, and its potential to deepen divisions within the American church. Whitaker suggests a more helpful focus on discipleship and engagement with foundational issues of the church's role in society, recommending David Young's book 'Resilient' as a more balanced resource.
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Check out the following from RENEW.org:Events: https://renew.org/resources/events/Videos: https://renew.org/media/videos/Podcasts: https://renew.org/media/podcasts/Articles: https://renew.org/articles/Free eBooks: https://renew.org/resources/free-ebooks/Books: https://renew.org/resources/books/Audiobooks: https://renew.org/resources/audiobooks/Sermon Tools: https://renew.org/resources/sermon-tools/Job Board: https://jobs.renew.org/Renew University: https://renewuniversity.org/Real Life Theology Conversations: https://renew.org/rltc/
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Jul 16, 2026
Jul 16, 2026
14 min
In this episode on the Real Life Theology Podcast you’l hear a review of the new book Scrolling Ourselves to Death.
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Jul 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
1hr 15 min
Exploring Church History: Key Figures and Renew Network Vision
Join us in this episode as Bobby and David dive into an insightful discussion about their journey with the Renew Network, aiming to restore and renew the New Testament church. They explore notable figures in Christian history, such as Irenaeus, Augustine, Aquinas, and Luther, who contributed to shaping Christianity. The founders discuss the importance of following God's Word, the challenges of embracing the Holy Spirit, and the need for courageous leadership. They highlight the mission and values of Renew Network, focusing on discipleship, church planting, and upholding biblical authority. Discover their vision for the future and how they plan to equip churches and individuals to make disciples and expand God's Kingdom.
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Jul 9, 2026
Jul 9, 2026
1hr 27 min
After Alexander Campbell: Restoration Movement History from 1865 to 2018
Join us in this episode where hosts David and Bobby discuss the significant developments in the Restoration Movement after the death of Alexander Campbell, covering the period from 1865 to 2018. Discover the impacts of the Civil War on the movement, the publication history of influential magazines like the Gospel Advocate and the Christian Standard, and key figures such as David Lipscomb, Foy Wallace, James A. Garfield, and Marshall Keeble. The episode explores the divisions within the movement, including the rise of the Disciples of Christ, Christian churches, and a cappella Churches of Christ, while delving into modern challenges and their ongoing legacy. Learn how the Restoration Movement shapes evangelical thought today and the central role of Renew in its future. This comprehensive overview is essential for anyone studying church history and the evolution of Christian denominations in America.
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Jul 7, 2026
Jul 7, 2026
1hr 21 min
Exploring the Roots of the Restoration Movement: The Impact of Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone
In this episode, we dive into the significant impact of Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone on the Restoration Movement in American Christian history. David Young opens with a prayer before diving into last week's topic on revivals. The discussion encompasses Barton Stone's foundational contributions, his role in American Christian revivals, and the subsequent establishment of 'Christian Churches'. The narrative transitions to Thomas Campbell, Alexander Campbell's father, exploring Thomas’s journey from a Scottish Presbyterian minister to an influential figure in the Restoration Movement. The key ideas include the rejection of binding creeds, the emphasis on adhering strictly to the Bible, and the notable debates that Alexander Campbell engaged in to advocate for these principles. The historical challenges, triumphs, and the notable Union meeting of 1832 between Stone's and Campbell's followers are also covered. The episode concludes with an examination of baptismal practices, the influence of cultural and doctrinal shifts, and the ongoing relevance of these historical movements in shaping modern Christian faith.
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Jul 2, 2026
Jul 2, 2026
1hr 27 min
Join us in a deep dive into the pivotal moments in American Protestantism, focusing on the contributions of figures like James McReady and Barton Warren Stone. This episode explores the historical context and significance of the First and Second Great Awakenings. Learn about key events such as the Red River Revival and the Cane Ridge Revival, and understand how these movements sparked widespread religious transformations that continue to influence modern evangelical Christianity. We also dive into discussions around Calvinism, revivalism, and the lasting impact of these awakenings on American religious life. Special guest David guides us through a recorded presentation and a live Q&A session, offering insights into the revivalist spirit that reshaped the Christian landscape across the United States.
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Check Out Our Podcast Book Series
RENEW.org prints and publishes books for church leaders, churches and everyday disciple makers. Our books, as with everything we seek to create, focus on good theology through culturally relevant engagement. These podcast series feature some of RENEW.org's most popular books and provide a behind the scenes conversation with some of our authors.
Following Jesus in a Politically Divided World
CAN WE LEAN INTO THE ISSUES AND LOVE WELL?
How should disciples of Jesus navigate a society clawing itself apart through politics? Should we disengage? Pick a side? Offer slogans which sound nice but express little? Insist that true Christians vote in such-and-such a way? Pursue tranquility by making contentious topics off-limits for church?
Following Jesus in a Politically Divided World suggests that disciples of Jesus navigate a politically divided world . . . by being disciples of Jesus. Jesus models the character and provides the tools we need to live as perceptive and peaceable in volatile times. Whittaker and McCoy invite you to answer 21 questions, including:
- What is the purpose of government?
- Do you know the times you’re living in?
- What hills are worth dying on?
- How do you pray for your nation?
- How do you figure out what’s right and wrong as a Christian?
- What does Christianity teach about the bedroom, womb, deathbed, environment, and battlefield?
Together, let’s face stormy horizons the way Jesus showed us: fully awake, yet filled with peace.
Get the Book
The Disciple’s Mind
A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR DISCIPLESHIP OF THE MIND
Why should we devote time to becoming a better thinker? Is it to be the most interesting person in the room? To dominate the ideological opposition? To cultivate confidence?
Or this: the better we think, the more we become like Jesus.
What our world needs is serious disciples of King Jesus. If you desire Christlikeness in yourself and the people you lead, then let Jesus disciple your minds. A concise, punchy guidebook, The Disciple’s Mind walks you through core how tos for discipleship of the mind, including how to spot toxic ideas, cultivate intellectual virtues, think redemptively, disagree graciously, and seek the Holy Spirit’s renewal of our minds.
Your thoughts powerfully guide your life’s direction. The Disciple’s Mind will help set your thoughts in the direction of true life.
The Fool of God
--
The Story of Alexander Campbell, Who Made Scripture His Final Authority and Catalyzed a Movement
Get the Book
Podcast Episodes
RHYTHMS
How to Live as a Disciple of Jesus (Real Life Theoloogy)
OVERWHELMED BY LIFE?
SLOW DOWN AND LEARN THE HOW TOS.
When does playing music go from formidable to fun? It starts getting fun when you feel the rhythm and join in. In the same way, the Christian life gets more doable when you take the time to learn its rhythms. Knowing what we ought to do only leaves us feeling guilty until we take time to learn the how tos.
This podcast series features 4 episodes talking about the Rhythms of life. Click HERE to view the series.
Sermon on the Mount:
40 Days of Learning the Ways of the Kingdom
Have you been wading in the shallows of Christianity? When longtime Bible student Jeremy Bacon began seriously studying the Sermon on the Mount, he found his tidy worldview exploding.
In the Sermon on the Mount, street-level wisdom and prophetic declaration collide. This sermon forces you to decide whether you’re going to remain part of the crowd or step out in faith and be a devoted student of Jesus.
Choosing the way of Jesus means more cost—and more reward—than you ever would have guessed. Sermon on the Mount is a forty-day discipling resource that walks you through the ways of Jesus’ Kingdom. Will you respond to the call to go deeper?
Click HERE to check out the podcast Episodes!
Other Renew.Org Podcasts
Step Into Scripture
Tina Wilson, author of Step into Scripture, develops Biblical literacy by exploring the nature of God, the centrality of Christ, the context and purpose of biblical texts, and shadow—fulfillment connections within the Bible.
Scripture in Black and White
Scripture in Black and White is a show that examines what scripture teaches with clarity and no uncertain terms. We discuss the scriptures in black and white and bring perspectives from ministers who happen to be black and white.
