In this episode of the Grow in Grace podcast, hosts Shanna and Kristen explore the concept of idolatry, discussing its relevance in modern life and the importance of recognizing and addressing the idols that can take precedence over God. They share personal experiences and biblical teachings to encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and worship practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of God and the dangers of misplaced worship, ultimately pointing t...
In the inaugural episode of the Grow in Grace podcast, hosts Shanna and Kristen delve into the essence of the gospel, exploring its definition, significance, and transformative power in the lives of believers. They discuss the importance of understanding the gospel not just as a moment of salvation but as a continuous influence in justification, sanctification, and glorification. The conversation also touches on the challenges of waiting on God's timing and the necessity of community support ...
We’re Back!! Join Shanna and Kristen (whoo hoo!) as we catch up and share an important announcement.
Shanna is joined by Michelle Holmgren to talk about the theology of parenting. Scripture tells us that children are a gift from the Lord and that they bear His image. And while parenting is a call to shepherd their hearts, it’s also a tool God uses to shape ours. We’ll talk about how family discipleship can happen in everyday moments, how to avoid performance-based parenting, and how to rest in the truth that God is the perfect parent that we, and our children, ultimately need. This conversat...
If you’ve walked through the heartbreak of miscarriage or if you love someone who has, then this conversation is for you. Shanna is joined by Brittany Allen author of Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort. This book laments the grief of miscarriage, discovers God’s gifts in spite of loss, and remembers our Good Shepherd, who weeps with those who weep. This conversation is one of honesty, of hope, and of holding fast to the God who binds up the brokenhearted and neve...
Shanna is joined today by Brooke Ledbetter, author of Closer Than a Brother: An Invitation to Cultivate Friendship That Lasts. In this conversation, they are going to explore the beauty of biblical friendship—what it looks like, why it matters, and how we can begin to pursue it with intention. If you’ve ever wrestled with being vulnerable, felt abandoned by shallow community, or struggled to believe that Jesus actually wants to be your friend - this episode is for you. Get Brooke's Book...
In this episode, Shanna is joined by Kelli Galyean, to talk about the life of David. From overlooked shepherd to mighty king, David’s journey is full of faith, failure, courage, and redemption. But this episode isn’t just about David - it’s about what his life reveals about the heart of God. We unpack the Davidic Covenant, discuss the importance of godly mentorship, reflect on the raw beauty of David’s wilderness Psalms, and look at how his story points forward to the true and better Ki...
In this episode, Shanna explores the significance of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. The resurrection is the cornerstone of our faith - without it, there is no gospel, no hope, and no future. But the story doesn’t stop there. We turn our attention to the often-overlooked ascension of Christ, a vital part of the gospel narrative. From His heavenly throne, Jesus continues His work as our Prophet, Priest, and King. Join Shanna as she unpacks why both the resurrection and ascension matter for ...
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest! These were the shouts that filled the streets as Jesus made his entrance into Jerusalem the week of Passover. Join us as we look back to the story of Moses and the very first Passover and then walk through this pivotal week of Jesus' triumphal entry and the last meal he shared with his disciples. We remember our Passover Lamb who was sacrificed to rescue us. Sug...
We see the character of God all over the story of Ruth even though He is only mentioned just a few times. The story of Ruth and Naomi is one that highlights many of God's characteristics including his compassion and provision. We see the introduction of the Kinsman-Redeemer and how God used the seemingly insignificant events in Ruth's story to connect her to the lineage of David and ultimately, to be mentioned in the lineage of Jesus. Join us in this short episode as we dive into this story a...
In this episode, Shanna gets to interview her pastor, Matt Chandler. For many, Revelation is a bit intimidating. It’s a big book with a lot of weird characters in it. And yet, for the last 2000 years, the book of Revelation has put courage into the spines of Christians. Revelation says that despite what we see and experience, Christ is on his throne and ruling on high, and we are able to live faithfully in the moment of time that God has placed us. We don’t have to be anxious or a...
This week, Kristen and Shanna dive into the story of Moses. You have probably often heard the stories of Moses' life, but have you ever stopped to look for what his story teaches you about God? We hope this episode helps you interact with Moses' life in a different way and will become a reminder of God's care for and patience with His people and His sovereignty over all.
This episode, Shanna and Kristen are going to take a 30,000 ft view of the story of Abraham. We will look at God's character as we look at the lives of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Don't let the length of this episode fool you - It is full of deep truth that we pray will encourage your heart and remind you of what is true about God. So buckle up as we talk about one of Shanna's favorite stories in the Bible: The Story of Abraham
This episode, we dive into the opening chapters of the Bible and talk about the creation narrative in Genesis 1-3. These chapters are so foundational, not only to understanding the Bible but to understanding God Himself. Our origin story is crucial because it frames and sets the tone for every other story that follows. We are going to look and see how God brings order out of chaos, what it means to be made in His image, and how the fall in Genesis 3 points us to redemption. So, w...
Season 4?! How is that possible? This season we're going to walk through well known Bible passages and build on the foundation that we laid in Season 1 when we studied the attributes of God. But first, we wanted to kick off this new year and new season with a discussion about abiding in Christ. Join us as we look in 1 John and see what John (and Jesus) has to say about living a fruitful and thriving life.
Read: John 15:1-11, John 16:16-24, Luke 2:1-20 Sing: Silent Night Family Time: Draw or paint what you think Jesus’ return might look like. Spend time outside watching the clouds. The Bible tells us He will return, coming out of the clouds. Spend time imagining what Jesus’ return will look like and pray for Him to return soon.
Questions to Consider: Do you ever feel like you are unworthy to receive the love of God? What can you do to remind yourself of the truth about His love for you? How might your day look different if you truly believed you were a recipient of the love of God? What are some ways you can respond to Him in love? Do you tend to get stuck thinking of love as just a feeling? How can you shift love from being a thought in your head or feeling in your heart to tangible actions with your ha...
Read: Luke 1:26-28, Isaiah 7:14, Luke 2:8-14, Ephesians 2:14-16,Colossians 3:12-17 Sing: Away in a Manger Family Time: Continue making your nativity set. This week, create the baby Jesus piece and add it to the set. Draw or paint what you think the night sky might have looked like when the angels appeared to the shepherds. When you see Christmas lights, talk about which lights and houses are your favorites and why. We are attracted to lights because we are made for the Light. ...
Read: Genesis 3, Exodus 3:7-22, Mark 13:32-37, Isaiah 9:1-7, Sing: COME, THOU LONG-EXPECTED JESUS Family Time: Create an Advent wreath to use throughout the Advent season. Create a nativity scene to use throughout the Advent season. If you would like to make this activity last the entire season, consider creating just the stable, animals, and Mary and Joseph this week. Questions to consider: Read Genesis 3. How does beginning the Advent story here instead of the New Testament...
This episode is all about Thanksgiving (maybe a little Advent)! We are not called just to give thanks during certain seasons. God calls us to give thanks in everything in Christ Jesus. In this episode, we will look at Psalms 100 and the call to action that is given to the believer. May our lives be marked by thankfulness each and every day and not just a few short months a year. God is worthy of all our praise and thanksgiving now and forever! Learn Psalms 100 through song! Enter His Ga...