These Go To 11

Lisa Dutcher and Christine Chappell join Nathan and Greg to discuss Christine's book, Midnight Mercies. Christine emphasizes that life is complex and can't be reduced to simplistic formulas for success, especially when it comes to motherhood or spiritual growth. She argues that while spiritual disciplines like quiet time with God are important, each person’s circumstances—such as their relational, emotional, and financial situation—are unique. Offering a one-size-fits-all solution can be harmful, particularly for those struggling with depression, as it may lead to feelings of failure and shame if the prescribed practices don’t bring immediate relief. This approach can deepen the sense of hopelessness and make people feel abandoned by God, further compounding their struggles.

In this episode, Greg and Nathan have a great conversation with Liz Edrington. Liz dives into how anxiety is impacting today's youth and how it’s been shaped by social media, especially platforms like TikTok. We explore how generational shifts in understanding mental health have led to a need for both permission to feel not okay and a broader acceptance of feeling okay amidst life's challenges. The conversation will focus on normalizing anxiety as a natural, human experience rather than pathologizing it. They will discuss why anxiety doesn’t mean something is wrong or that you're failing—and how kids today need to understand that stress is a part of life, not a sign of weakness or unfaithfulness. If you’re a parent, educator, or just someone navigating mental health in today's world, this episode will offer insights into helping our kids live with a healthy perspective on anxiety.

In this podcast, Greg and Nathan interview, Dr. Svensson. Dr. Svensson, shares his extensive knowledge and personal insights on the challenges of living with chronic pain. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Svensson discusses the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, explaining how it affects not only the body but also the mind and spirit. He offers a compassionate view on how individuals with chronic pain often face misunderstandings and stigmas, both in the medical community and in society at large.

In this episode, Greg and Nathan dive deep into the themes of reflection, perspective, and the role of God's providence in shaping their lives. They begin by talking about the power of reflection—how taking the time to look back on their experiences, both the highs and the lows, has helped them understand the bigger picture. Through this process, they highlight moments when they didn't realize God's guiding hand at the time but later recognized His providence in hindsight.

This Christmas Eve, Greg and Nathan explore the powerful intersections of tradition, scripture, and the unexpected joy of encountering Jesus. They start with a reflection on the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, where she initially seeks only a mundane interaction, perhaps thinking Jesus is just another man who can offer her support. Little does she know, He has something far more life-changing in mind: the offer of "living water." By the end of the encounter, she is so transformed that she runs back to her town, saying, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did!" What a beautiful model for how Christmas Eve could impact someone—an ordinary encounter that leads to extraordinary change.

Greg, Nathan, and Nathan discuss the Christmas movies they recently saw. focusing on Red One and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Nathan Bell talks about what he liked and didn't like about each one. Nathan mentions that although Red One wasn't groundbreaking, he found it enjoyable and fun. He appreciated how the movie expanded on the traditional Santa Claus story, introducing a larger world that could potentially lead to more films.

In this episode, Greg and Nathan emphasizes the importance of critically engaging with stories and entertainment, rather than passively absorbing them. They reference Tolkien and C.S. Lewis to suggest that stories, like A Christmas Carol, can be seen as "shadows" of deeper truths, echoing Plato's idea of the world of appearances versus the true reality. They reflect on Scrooge’s transformation, noting that his salvation isn’t just about actions like giving money, but about an inner change — a genuine heart transformation. In the context of A Christmas Carol, this highlights the story’s deeper lesson: Christmas is not just about materialism, but about embracing compassion, generosity, and the true spirit of the season. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and recognize the moral and spiritual truths beneath the entertainment.

How do we handle dysfunction? How do we handle dysfunction around the holidays? In this episode, Greg and Nathan take a look at what holiday dysfunction looks like for us as people, but then what did it look like for Jesus? He was around dysfunction His whole life. How did He handle it? 

In this continuation from last week, Greg and Nathan continue to explore Fact and Faith beyond Doubt. 

In this episode, Greg and Nathan explore the importance of our faith, even when our feelings are hitting us hard. When do we move beyond what we feel to be true and accept what we know to be true? Check out the latest to find out. 

In this episode, Greg and Nathan explore the grace that God extends to us in our doubts. Rest on the grace God gives to you during your doubts. 

Greg and Nathan are finally able to talk about the book give aways from June. Listen in to see if you won. 

Join Nathan and Greg this November as they launch an insightful and honest series, "Good News About Doubt." In a culture where questions and uncertainties are often kept under wraps, Nathan and Greg dive into the truth that faith and doubt are not enemies but companions on the journey. Through heartfelt conversations, they explore how doubt can actually strengthen belief, spark growth, and lead to a deeper understanding of God’s grace.

In this episode, Nathan Bell and Greg Dutcher dive into two books that have sparked heated debates over the years: Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life and Andy Stanley's Deep and Wide. Once dismissed by many, including Greg himself, these books are now getting a second look. Join the conversation as we explore why these books were criticized, what they actually got right, and why they might deserve a spot back on your reading list. Plus, hear our thoughts on the seeker-sensitive movement and how to balance church growth with staying true to biblical principles. Got thoughts on these books? Drop a comment and let us know!

In this episode, Nathan and Greg go full-out confession mode. What books did they once consider trash but have since found their way much higher on their recommended lists? Tune in. You might be surprised.

C.S. Lewis, a British writer and lay theologian, has left an indelible mark on Christian thought and literature. Known for his works such as 'The Chronicles of Narnia' and 'Mere Christianity,' Lewis excelled in storytelling and apologetics, making complex theological concepts accessible to a broad audience. His logical arguments, like the famous 'trilemma' in 'Mere Christianity,' challenge readers to seriously consider the claims of Christ. However, Lewis's legacy is not without its controversies. His views on Scripture, which suggest a more nuanced understanding rather than strict inerrancy, have raised questions among evangelicals. Additionally, his perspectives on inclusivism and universalism, as seen in 'The Last Battle' and 'The Great Divorce,' diverge from traditional evangelical beliefs. Despite these issues, Lewis's contributions continue to inspire and educate, offering valuable insights into faith, suffering, and the human condition.

C.S. Lewis is synonymous with evangelical Christianity. Was he an evangelical though? In this episode, Greg and Nathan take a look at the problem with claiming Lewis as an evangelical. Check out the podcast and let us know what you think. Don't forget to check us out on YouTube now too.