Deeper Christian Podcast

Many Christians say Jesus is the center of their lives, but what if He's not actually at the center of the center? In this episode, we examine what it truly means for Christ to be all and have first place in everything according to Colossians 1:18 and Colossians 3:4-11, and why so many believers unknowingly substitute legalism, religious duty, or fear for genuine Christ-centered living. Drawing from Oswald Chambers' challenge about what we're truly obsessed with, this episode will help you honestly evaluate whether Jesus is your life or merely a part of it—and what to do if you've been turning Him on and off without realizing it. If you're serious about authentic Christian discipleship and want to move beyond surface-level faith to making Jesus truly preeminent, this teaching will challenge you to examine what's really at the core of your spiritual life.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episodeVideo mentioned at the end:Four Ways to Know if Jesus is Your True Obsession and Passion-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 371View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/371

What can the book of Jonah teach us about God’s mercy, our resistance to obedience, and the transforming power of repentance? In this episode, Nathan Johnson shares three key lessons and fresh insights drawn from his in-depth study of Jonah. Discover how this little (and funny) Old Testament book reveals the humor of God, the stunning depth of God’s mercy toward both rebels and the religious, and how it confronts us to live like Jesus.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episodeBonusesListen to the series on hesed (God's lovingkindness)Watch the 8-part study in Jonah-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 370View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/370

In this concise, Christ-centered overview of the Gospel of Mark, we trace the “beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1) and see why Mark presents Jesus as the triumphant Suffering Servant—One who did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life “a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). You’ll get the big-picture purpose, audience, and driving themes of Mark’s fast-paced narrative (action, urgency, discipleship, the Kingdom of God, and the central question: Who is Jesus?), along with a simple outline that helps you read Mark with clarity and structure—especially as the Gospel presses us toward a decision about Jesus and a willingness to follow Him in the way of the cross (Mark 8:34–35). If you'd like a longer (more detailed) overview, I preached an hour-length message on the Gospel of Mark and encourage you to check it out here.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 369View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/369

You are blessed!What a phenomenal promise in Scripture. But the blessing is probably not in what you are thinking.In Ephesians 1:3–14, the Apostle Paul declares a staggering truth: every spiritual blessing we receive from God is found and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In this Christ-centered Bible teaching, we explore what it truly means to be “blessed” and how our blessing is not in something but in Someone (Jesus).As we step into a new year filled with noise, busyness, and distraction, this passage calls believers back to the supreme focus of the Christian life: delighting in Christ, resting in what He has already accomplished, and living for the praise of His glorious grace.If you want to grow spiritually, understand your identity in Christ, and anchor your life in the unshakable blessings of the gospel, this study from Ephesians will reorient your heart and mind around the preeminence, majesty, and glory of Jesus Christ.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 368View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/368

In this Bible teaching, we explore the often-overlooked story of Zechariah in Luke 1 and discover how his faithfulness, misunderstanding, and expectancy prepare the way for the Advent of Jesus Christ. Far more than background characters in the Christmas story, Zechariah and Elizabeth stand at the threshold of redemptive history, where God breaks centuries of silence and announces the coming of the Messiah. This study walks through Luke 1, drawing out theological depth, historical context, and spiritual application—showing how Advent is not merely about waiting for Christmas morning, but ultimately about our anticipation of Jesus' second coming and learning to trust God’s promises when they feel delayed, improbable, or costly. If you desire a deeper, Christ-centered understanding of Advent, the birth of Jesus, and how God prepares hearts for His redemptive work, this teaching will help anchor your faith in the faithfulness of God and the certainty of His Word.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 367View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/367

Happy Thanksgiving! But is your thanksgiving celebration a once-a-year feast or an everyday focus? In this special (and short), thanksgiving episode, Nathan gives a quick overview of thanksgiving in Scripture, why it should mark our lives, and how it is connected to our celebration of Jesus Christ.-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 366

When most people think of Jonah, they picture a fish. Yet the fish appears in only three verses of this profound prophetic book. So if Jonah isn’t really about a fish, what’s it about? In this special (short) episode, Nathan invites you to join him in a verse-by-verse study of the book of Jonah where we discover that Jonah is a book about the Living God who relentlessly pursues the lost, even when His own people would prefer He didn’t. And woven throughout this humorous yet convicting narrative, we’ll see stunning shadows of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Watch the study series on YouTubeCheck out the Jonah series (called Swallowed by Mercy)-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 365

Names in the Bible are far more than labels—they reveal character, nature, reputation, and identity. In this episode, Nathan Johnson explores why the names of God are vital for knowing Him personally and growing spiritually. When you truly understand God's names, you gain greater clarity of His character, deeper intimacy in relationship with Him, increased awe and worship of Him, and you’ll find that knowing His names practically transforms how you live daily for His glory. If you want to deepen your walk with Christ and experience the richness of Scripture in a fresh way, studying the names of God will revolutionize your spiritual life and ignite authentic worship from a heart that truly beholds His majesty.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 364View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/364

George Müller (1805–1898) was a man who lived fully by faith and prayer, caring for over 10,000 orphans, giving away hundreds of thousands of Bibles, and inspiring generations to trust God’s promises. In this episode, Nathan Johnson explores the incredible life and legacy of Müller—once a liar, thief, and drunkard who was transformed by Christ into a humble servant of God. From his radical dependence on prayer, to his refusal to ask for money, to the miraculous ways God provided for thousands of children in Bristol, Müller’s story continues to challenge believers to live a surrendered life of faith, prayer, and obedience to Jesus Christ. Join us as we unpack his biography, his lessons on faith, and the powerful truths from Scripture that shaped his life.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episodeGet the suggested resources mentioned in this episode-----------------Resources Mentioned:Saturation Bible Study (by NRJohnson) … discover the adventure of knowing Jesus more deeply through time in the Bible. Get the book or the quickstart course.George Müller Books + BiosThe Autobiography of George MüllerGeorge Muller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans (Christian Heroes: Then and Now) – by Janet and Geoff BengeGeorge Müller of Bristol: His Life of Prayer and Faith – by AT PiersonGeorge Müller: Delighted in God – by Roger SteerRelease The Power Of Prayer – by George MüllerMovie: Robber of the Cruel Streets-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 363View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/363

Most people think worship means singing songs—but the Bible reveals it’s far deeper. True worship is a lifestyle of beholding, intimacy, and sacrifice. In short, it must become the posture of your heart, the focus of your life, and the daily offering of yourself to God. In this Christ-centered Bible teaching, Nathan Johnson explores what biblical worship really means, uncovering its rich depth in Scripture through the ideas of beholding, kissing, and sacrifice. Discover how worship is a lifestyle that transforms every area of your life, helping you glorify Jesus Christ in everything you do. Whether you’re a new believer or a mature Christian longing to go deeper, this message will help you understand that worship goes beyond music and will inspire you to live fully for the preeminence, majesty, and glory of Jesus.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 362View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/362

It is common for Christians to declare that they love God with everything … "all to Jesus I surrender" is the song upon our lips.But do I truly love the Lord our God with EVERYTHING?In this video, we dive into the "shema" of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and examine the biblical command to love God with ALL our heart, soul, and strength.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 361View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/361

esus is to be the obsession and focus of a Christian's life. Yet how do we discover what we are truly obsessed with?In this episode, we discover: the four indicators that reveal what we are obsessed with in our lives why it is imperative that Jesus is our sole obsession and the definition of idolatry (looking to anyone or anything besides Jesus to meet my needs) Simply, if Jesus isn't our obsession, then we will be distracted with something—for God made us to be obsessed. The question really is … what am I obsessed with?Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 360View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/360

Philippians 3:4–10 reveals the apostle Paul’s powerful testimony of surrender—counting all things as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. In this video, we dive into what it means to truly know Jesus, not just intellectually but intimately (ginōskō), and why following Him is worth giving up everything.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeSign up for the Deeper Digest (everything Deeper Christian in one email each Saturday)Subscribe to the Deeper Christian YouTube channelCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 359View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/359

You may have heard about Jesus your whole life—but do you actually know Him? I’m not talking about religion, church attendance, or head knowledge. I mean a real, personal, authentic relationship with the living God. If you’ve ever wondered, “There has to be more than this in the Christian life,”—you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re going to uncover how to move from knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Him. I want to give you three words that often describe our relationship with Jesus and the third one genuinely has the potentially to radically change your life. Let’s dive in.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeSign up for the Deeper Digest (everything Deeper Christian in one email each Saturday)Subscribe to the Deeper Christian YouTube channelCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 358View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/358

When you think of the cross of Christ, do you think of a sad event or something exciting?This is "holy week" and most Christians are celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, when we celebrate Good Friday, it is typically somber and serious … but should it be?In this episode, Nathan walks through Matthew 16 and shows that Jesus' disciples should have been expectant and ready for the resurrection when they saw Jesus on the cross. As such, when we behold the cross, it should be one of celebration and expectation.-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 357View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/357

Ian Thomas is one of my favorite preachers of old to listen to—his way of articulating the profound truths of Scripture in a simple way has been incredibly helpful to my understanding that Jesus wants to live His life in and through me. In this stirring and powerful message, Ian Thomas shares that God wants to be God right now in you. We as believers must remember that Christ is the secret to Christianity! It is not attempting to live the Christian life on our own in our own ability, strength, and wisdom for Him—but allowing Him to live His life in and through us.Read a bio-sketch on the life of Ian ThomasRead the transcript of this sermonMajor Ian Thomas books I highly recommend you to read:The Mystery of GodlinessThe Indwelling Life of ChristThe Saving Life of Christ-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 356View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/356

The Christian life should be marked by three C’s: content, character, and communication. In this episode, Nathan discusses and explains the three C’s of the Christian life and why they are essential for the times in which we live.-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 355View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/355

It has often been joked that there are only two guarantees in life: death and taxes. Yet, few of us want to ponder our end—it feels morbid, awkward, or only causes anxiety. Nevertheless, Scripture reminds us that life is short and as such we should "redeem" (buy up) the time. We should be intentional in how we live—for however long God gives us. In this episode, we discuss what Scripture says about the shortness of life, why it is important to embrace and ponder our passing, and several practical ways to live boldly in light of our forthcoming death. Simply, to live with our end in mind will change how we live today. -----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 354View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/354

God used the life and ministry of Stephen Manley profoundly in my life.My summer traveling with Stephen was a dramatic turning point in my life and the two decades of ministering alongside him has been a rich blessing and joy.After a battle with brain cancer, Stephen Manley died this week on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.In this small tribute to his life and death, I reflect on Stephen's life and his desire to be known as a "Jesus Pusher."Mentioned in the episode:3 things Stephen Manley taught me that changed my lifeRead Nathan's bio-sketch of Stephen ManleyListen/watch Nathan's two favorite sermons by Stephen: Obsessed and The Unasked Question (the "blue" sermon)Watch an interview/Q&A Nathan did with Stephen-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 353View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/353

As Christians we are to people of prayer.In his little gem of a book The Hidden Life of Prayer, David M'Intyre talks about what the prayer life of a believer looks like and gives practical helps and tools to deepen in our intimacy and communion with God.In this episode, Nathan gives seven takeaways that he gained from the book and gives an important warning at the end about reading books on prayer.> See Nathan's seven takeaways and a list of all his favorite quotes from the bookGet your copy of The Hidden Life of Prayer (David M. M’Intyre)Free PDF download (the formatting is weird but it’s free)Physical BookDigitalAudiobook (Audible | ChristianAudio)-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 352View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/352