Rejoicing in a work that’s finished.

Chatting with Gretchen Ronnevik and Katie Koplin on the Freely Given podcast.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Perhaps the greatest reward I’ve received from writing online is the ability to connect with folks from all walks of life. It is always a joy to find commonalities among strangers who soon turn into friends. I have compared this phenomenon to being a fan at a sporting event surrounded by other like-minded fans. Regardless of occupation, race, social status, or whatnot, rooting for the same group of athletes brings people together in remarkable ways. When your team scores, there is a mutual thrill and enjoyment that often manifests in high-fiving and hugging folks you barely know. In a truer and deeper way, that is what it’s like when Christians get together. Indeed, that’s how I felt when I attended last year’s Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego, California, hosted by 1517.

Believers from several different denominational backgrounds came together because of their mutual adoration of Christ alone, which is one of the many reasons I relish in that conference. A bond that’s deeper than wearing similar jerseys coursed through that place, as the tremors of worship geared hearts and souls to rejoice in the finished work of Jesus for sinners. It’s in light of all that that I am thrilled to share this podcast episode with you as I was recently a featured guest on the Freely Given podcast, hosted by my friends from 1517, Gretchen Ronnevik and Katie Koplin. This conversation was a true joy as Gretchen, Katie, and I chatted about preaching the gospel freely and where hope is found for those who are hopeless. We also talked about my book, Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of Depression, Despair, and Disappointment.

I hope you’ll spare thirty minutes to listen to this episode. It was a delight to record. And if we didn’t have a time limit, we might still be chatting. Happy listening!

Grace and peace.